(CBS) The Cubs made four moves Wednesday, and their 40-man roster now sits at 37, allowing them flexibility to operate as free agents can already begin talking with suitors Thursday.
Pitcher James McDonald, outfielder Ryan Kalish and infielders Josh Vitters and Chris Valaika were outrighted to Triple-A Iowa after they cleared waivers. McDonald elected for free agency over the demotion.
The 26-year-old Kalish batted .248 with five RBIs and 13 runs in 57 games for the Cubs in 2014. The 29-year-old Valaika hit .231 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 44 games.
The 22-year-old Vitters spent all of last season in the minors. McDonald, 30, didn’t play for the Cubs in 2014 because of a shoulder injury. He was on the 60-day disabled list.
The Cubs’ remaining potential free agents are pitchers Carlos Villanueva, Kyuji Fujikawa and Tsuyoshi Wada, the Tribune reported.
