Matt Shaw Makes Roster, Heading to Japan
The Cubs are scheduled to leave for Japan after Tuesday’s game against the Brewers. That means roster decisions need to be made, mainly for the last spot or two that weren’t already widely known. Early reports hinted at Matt Shaw being left off to begin the season as he worked back from an early oblique issue, with Kevin Alcántara taking his place. However, Craig Counsell announced prior to the game that the rookie third baseman will indeed be on the flight to Tokyo.
“I think Matt Shaw is going to Japan,” the noncommittal skipper said. “That’s probably the big news.”
Craig Counsell announces that Matt Shaw will be traveling to Japan. pic.twitter.com/ev7rkPpydU
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 11, 2025
Shaw has been playing in games for over a week now and everything seems to be going well, so there was no need to waste time in the minors. A corresponding move will need to be made since he is not currently on the 40-man roster, but Counsell would not say yet what that move will be. One option is to place someone on the 60-day IL, although there doesn’t appear to be a candidate for that right now. That means a player will likely be designated for assignment.
A leading candidate is Gavin Hollowell, who doesn’t appear to have a spot on this roster. Tyson Miller has struggled this spring and could be a possibility as well. More on this as information becomes available.
