Cubs Recalling Moisés Ballesteros (Update: Happ to IL, or Not?)
Looks like the Happ injury might require an IL stint. The team is calling up Moises Ballesteros from Triple-A, per a source. He’s hitting .331 down there. He had a cup of coffee with the big league team earlier this year. https://t.co/e9RhWWaQUn
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 30, 2025
It was quite a night for Cubs fans, as Craig Counsell‘s squad fell in Milwaukee by a final score of 9–3. Among the many low points in Tuesday’s game was Ian Happ fouling a ball off his shin. X-rays came back negative, but the reported promotion of Moisés Ballesteros may suggest otherwise. With Ballesteros on his way to join the Cubs, it appears likely that Happ will end up on the Injured List.
On the bright side, since no bones were broken, Happ should only require a minimum stint on the IL. Given his prolonged slump, it’s better for him to rest than try to play through an injury.
Ballesteros appeared in five games during his first stint with the Cubs, collecting just three hits. His time in the majors was brief, but he should have more opportunities this time around. In Triple-A this season, the left-handed slugger has posted a 127 wRC+ and a .393 on-base percentage.
The most important part of this promotion is that Owen Caissie was not chosen to make his major-league debut. With Caissie’s ability to play the outfield, he seemed like a solid choice to replace Happ. Caissie has a 137 wRC+ and 20 home runs with the Iowa Cubs this year and is the best prospect in the Cubs’ farm system. With the trade deadline less than two days away, he’s one of the top candidates to be moved in a deal. Choosing to call up Ballesteros instead of Caissie hints at that exact fact — Caissie may not be in the organization when Friday rolls around.
Update: Marquee Sports Network has confirmed that Ian Happ will be placed on the IL.
Update #2: Marquee has now deleted the tweet, as Happ will not be needing a stint on the IL. Truly a crazy few days for the Chicago Cubs. The deadline may make it even weirder. Instead of a move involving Happ, the Cubs have designated Vidal Bruján for assignment.
The Cubs have designated Vidal Bruján for assignment.
Moisés Ballesteros has been recalled. pic.twitter.com/DYhv775vNq
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 30, 2025
