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CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs activated outfielder Chris Coghlan off the disabled list Friday and optioned infielder Tommy La Stella to Triple-A Iowa.
La Stella, who was hitting .295 in 105 at-bats with a .388 on-base percentage, did not take the news well, according to Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
"And he shouldn't take it well," Maddon said before Friday's game against the Seattle Mariners. "Honestly, it's just an unusual moment we're in right now where we have so many guys. This is definitely an advocacy for a 27- or 28-man roster."
La Stella had options remaining, which left him vulnerable in a crowded infield. The Cubs needed a roster spot with Coghlan (ribs) healthy again after completing a rehab stint at Double-A Tennessee. They will need to make a decision soon on outfielder Jorge Soler (hamstring), who also is on a rehab assignment.
Maddon inserted Coghlan into left field and the leadoff spot for Friday's game. Coghlan is hitting .155 with five home runs and 14 RBIs in 70 games this season, batting .194 since the Cubs reacquired him earlier this season.
Center fielder Dexter Fowler still has some soreness, Maddon said, so Jason Heyward returned to the lineup in center instead of right. Ben Zobrist was starting in right field for the second straight game.
Meanwhile, the Mariners recalled outfielder Guillermo Heredia from Triple-A Tacoma and optioned LHP David Rollins to Tacoma. Seattle right fielder Nelson Cruz returned to the lineup after fouling a ball off his shin Tuesday and sitting out Wednesday's game. The Mariners were off Thursday.
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