Cubs outfielder Rafael Ortega made his major-league debut a decade ago. He’s played for five different big-league clubs in the time since. But Thursday was his first time on an Opening Day roster.
“It feels unbelievable,” Ortega said. “I feel so happy right now. I have been fighting for this for years and years.”
First baseman Alfonso Rivas got his first shot in the big-leagues with the Cubs last year, playing in 18 games late in the year. He, too, broke camp with the major-league squad.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “You just feel the energy, the happiness of each guy in here, excited for the season. It’s a really good, cool feeling to be a part of.”
The Cubs announced their 28-man roster Thursday morning, hours before they opened the season against the Brewers at Wrigley Field. The list included nine players making a Major League Baseball Opening Day roster for the first time in their careers, including five pitchers, star addition Seiya Suzuki and 2021 rookie of the year candidate Patrick Wisdom.
As the Cubs announced their roster, they also placed three players on the 10-day injured list. Along with lefty Wade Miley (left elbow inflammation) and shortstop Andrelton Simmons (right shoulder inflammation), who were dealing with injury in the last weeks of camp, the Cubs placed Alec Mills (low back strain) on the IL, all three retroactive to April 4.
“A lot of precaution here,” Cubs manager David Ross said of Mills’ injury. “Had some low back tightness a couple days before he threw [on Tuesday] after a bullpen. Felt it loosen up a little bit to make his outing and got done, and it just wasn’t very good.”
Through April, pitchers are still eligible for the 10-day IL, rather than the 15-day. Mills is expected to spend a minimum stint on the IL, so he could return as early as mid-week next week..
Carrying 14 position players, the Cubs broke camp with all six outfielders who were vying for spots on the roster. In the infield, Rivas takes Simmons’ active roster spot, providing depth at first base and even outfield if needed.
Here’s the full 28-man roster:
PITCHERS (14)
RHP Marcus Stroman,
LHP Drew Smyly
RHP Ethan Roberts
RHP Kyle Hendricks
LHP Justin Steele
RHP David Robertson
RHP Jesse Chavez
LHP Daniel Norris
RHP Rowan Wick
RHP Scott Effross
RHP Chris Martin
RHP Michael Rucker
RHP Mychal Givens
RHP Keegan Thompson
INFIELDERS (6)
2B Nick Madrigal
SS Nico Hoerner
3B Patrick Wisdom
1B Frank Schwindel
3B/2B/SS Jonathan Villar
1B/OF Alfonso Rivas
OUTFIELDERS (6)
Ian Happ
Jason Heyward
Seiya Suzuki
Michael Hermosillo
Rafael Ortega
Clint Frazier
CATCHERS (2)
Willson Contreras
Yan Gomes