Eric Sogard DFA'd as Matt Duffy returns from IL originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Cubs activated infielder Matt Duffy off the 60-day injured list prior to Friday afternoon’s game against the Diamondbacks.
To make room on the 40-man and active rosters, veteran Eric Sogard has been designated for assignment.
“When you put some guys on the IL and have to put some guys on the 60-day,” Ross said of the decision, “and you don’t perform the way that we needed to perform, the veteran sometimes gets the raw end of the deal.”
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Duffy has missed the last two months with a low back strain that landed him on the 10-day IL May 25. His recovery was slowed after he pushed the intensity too hard at times, leading to his 60-day IL placement.
Before going down, the 30-year-old emerged as a key piece to the Cubs lineup, helping diversify the offense with his contact-oriented bat. In 38 games this season, he’s hitting .278 with a .377 on-base percentage.
Sogard picked up a chunk of starts at second base after Nico Hoerner and David Bote followed Duffy in going on the IL in late May. He hit .249/.283/.314 in 78 games with 10 pinch-hits, tied for most in MLB.
“He’s done everything for us that we’ve asked,” Ross said of Sogard. “He’s been one of the [most professional] guys I’ve ever been around in a locker room. He brings a calming presence every single day.
"We had to make a tough decision, and that was the one."
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