Cubs call up top prospect Moisés Ballesteros, place Ian Happ on IL
The Chicago Cubs officially promoted hot-hitting prospect Moisés Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, and he will bat seventh as the designated hitter in that night’s game against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs also placed outfielder Ian Happ on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 10, with his left oblique strain and pitcher Tyson Miller on the 60-day IL with a hip impingement. The Miller move cleared a 40-man roster spot for Ballesteros.
Marquee Sports Network contributor Bruce Levine first reported the news Monday night, and Ballesteros’ agency, Premier Talent Sports & Entertainment, later confirmed it in an Instagram post.
Ballesteros, whom Marquee Sports Network’s Lance Brozdowski ranked the Cubs’ No. 3 prospect this year, has torn up the International League, slashing .368/.420/.522 with four home runs and 18 RBI in 34 games, despite being just 21 years old. The young catcher’s .942 OPS ranks seventh in the IL, and he recently had a 19-game hitting streak.
Happ missed the Cubs’ past three games with oblique discomfort. He served as the Cubs’ leadoff hitter in their first 39 games before that, slashing .269/.364/.745 with three homers and 19 RBI.
Happ, who initially felt discomfort on a swing during his first at-bat Friday, hasn’t missed much time in recent seasons, averaging 154 games played and a 115 OPS+ since 2021. He also has won three consecutive Gold Gloves in left field.
