CHICAGO -- The Cubs made a flurry of roster moves prior to Monday's game against the Cardinals, continuing to adjust the options on the bench as the North Siders enter the season's stretch run.

The Cubs added versatile utility man Ildemaro Vargas to the active roster, after claiming him off waivers on Saturday from the Twins. Chicago also claimed speedy center fielder Billy Hamilton from the Mets, who designated him for assignment on Friday.

The switch-hitting Vargas offers depth around the infield for the Cubs and has had some success against lefties. In 92 games in '19, he hit .269 (.712 OPS) overall with a .340 showing (1.025 OPS) in 55 plate appearances against southpaws. He hit just .190 (.484 OPS) in 18 games this year with the D-backs and Twins.

Hamilton, who has not yet reported to the Cubs, has gone just 1-for-22 (.045 average) in the batter's box this season in 17 games with the Mets. He did post two defensive runs saved in 62 1/3 innings in center, where the Cubs (minus-five DRS as a team) could benefit from a late-inning defensive replacement.

Hamilton could also serve Chicago well as a pinch-runner, given his career track record as a base thief. In parts of eight MLB seasons, the 29-year-old Hamilton has hit .241 (.620 OPS) with 302 stolen bases.

Additional moves
Besides the transactions involving Vargas and Hamilton, the Cubs also made the following moves:

• Officially signed righty Pedro Strop to a Minor League contract. Strop, who posted a 2.90 ERA in 411 games for the Cubs in parts of the previous seven seasons, will report to the alternate training site in South Bend, Ind.

• Optioned lefty Matt Dermody to South Bend on Sunday night, but then designated him for assignment Monday to clear a 40-man roster spot for Hamilton. Dermody worked one shutout inning for Chicago in Sunday's loss.

• Added right-hander Duncan Robinson to the 60-man pool and assigned him to the South Bend site.

• Released catcher Jose Lobaton, who had been at the South Bend site on a Minor League contract.

The Cubs' 60-man squad now consists of 59 players (28 active, 27 training at South Bend, three on the 10-day injured list and Hamilton).

Chatwood, Quintana on mend
Cubs manager David Ross noted that righty Tyler Chatwood (10-day IL, right forearm) resumed playing catch on Monday. Lefty José Quintana (10-day IL, left lat) has been cleared by the team's medical staff to resume his throwing program on Tuesday.