Moisés Ballesteros Optioned to AAA

Moisés Ballesteros has endured some growing pains in what could have been his first full season in Chicago, but his performance of late convinced the Cubs that he needs a little get-right time in Iowa. Per the team’s transaction log, Mo Baller has been optioned to Triple-A. The Cubs have not officially announced the move and no corresponding transaction is listed.

Ballesteros started the season hot, posting a 113 wRC+ with six homers through his first 120 plate appearances. Since then, however, he’s got a 51 wRC+ with no home runs in 55 PAs. Even though his .188 batting average is over 60 points lower in the more recent sample, it’s the abject lack of power that really stands out. Only four of the 273 MLB players with at least 50 PAs since May 19 have posted a number lower than Ballesteros’s .021 ISO.

With two more experienced catchers on the roster and Matt Shaw pushing for more playing time — yes, even though he’s right-handed — spending time with the I-Cubs is the best way for Ballesteros to get the regular playing time he needs to bounce back. Too bad they can’t send a few of the veterans down with him.