CHICAGO -- The Cubs added some infield depth on Saturday, selecting the contract of Mike Freeman from Triple-a Iowa. Freeman, who joined the Cubs on Saturday, has been working out since the Minor League season ended but also has been preparing for his first child. His wife, Caroline, is due Oct. 1.
"It's right around the corner," said Freeman, 31. "She's been great -- she knew this was a possibility. I'm definitely more nervous than she was. She was excited for the opportunity. She was very encouraging to me, which is a huge testament to her."
Freeman, who lives in Greenville, S.C., in the offseason, had been working out with some local colleges. He batted .274 with 15 doubles, six home runs and 38 RBIs in 78 games for Iowa this season. He played primarily at shortstop, where the Cubs now have a vacancy after Addison Russell was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball.
The Cubs called up Freeman last September as well.
"I see a lot of familiar faces," he said. "To be in one organization the whole year is a comfort compared to last year. There's been a lot of welcoming faces."
"He did a nice job with us last year," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "He's got a great personality and fits in well. He's a very good player so it's good to have him here."
Extra bases
• Kyle Schwarber (back) was the designated hitter for the second straight day, but Maddon said he would do something different on Sunday in the series finale against lefty Carlos Rodon. Maddon was waiting for Schwarber to tell him when he felt comfortable playing in the outfield again. Schwarber did not go with the team to Arizona last week so he could continue his rehab in Chicago.
• This is the latest in the season that the Cubs and White Sox have met in the Crosstown Cup series.
"It really doesn't matter when," Maddon said. "It definitely smells of football today."