Cubs reduce spring roster to 40 players

The Chicago Cubs have assigned 12 players to minor league camp, reducing their spring roster from 52 to 40 players.

Right-handed pitcher Blake Parker and left-handed pitcher Joseph Ortiz have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Ten non-roster invitees have been assigned to minor league camp: Right-handed pitchers Daniel Bard, Anthony Carter, Jorge De Leon and Gonzalez Germen; left-handed pitcher Francisley Bueno; infielder Chris Valaika; outfielders Albert Almora, Mike Baxter and Adron Chambers; and catcher Kyle Schwarber.

Chicago's spring roster of 40 players consists of 20 pitchers (one non-roster invitee), four catchers (one non-roster invitee), nine infielders (three non-roster invitees) and seven outfielders.