CHICAGO -- With Dansby Swanson currently on the injured list and sidelined for at least the next month, the Cubs’ depth at shortstop has been thinned at a crucial point in the baseball calendar.
On Wednesday, the Cubs made a move to boost the depth chart, claiming utility man Gabriel Arias off waivers from the Mets to add a layer of insurance not only at shortstop, but around the infield. The addition helps Chicago buy time until another utility man, Matt Shaw, can make his own comeback from the 10-day IL.
To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Arias, the Cubs transferred injured reliever Phil Maton (right knee) to the 60-day IL. The North Siders have a team off-day on Thursday, but will need to make a roster move prior to Friday’s game in Seattle to officially add Arias to the active roster.
Swanson sustained a left oblique strain on Sunday against the Cardinals and landed on the 10-day IL on Monday. Under the circumstances, the Cubs shifted two-time Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner to shortstop and handed the keys to second temporarily to rookie Pedro Ramírez.
The Cubs added utility man Owen Miller to the active roster on Monday to serve as a backup for shortstop, as well as other infield positions, but the 26-year-old Arias can now assume that role. In limited action between the Guardians and Mets this season, Arias has posted a +3 Fielding Run Value overall with +2 Outs Above Average at shortstop, per Statcast.
This season, Arias has hit .235 with five homers, 11 RBIs and a .645 OPS in 44 games between Cleveland and New York. He has covered innings at all four infield spots along the way, and boasts five years of Major League experience.
Shaw has been on the IL since late June due to a sprained left hand/wrist, but recently ramped up the intensity and volume of his hitting. He headed out to begin a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday night, but the versatile defender will need a run of games to build back to full game readiness.