rewrite this content and keep HTML tags
Midway through May, the Chicago Cubs sit comfortably atop the NL Central and hold the fifth-best record in the National League.
The offense has hit a collective .771 OPS, third in the majors behind only the Yankees and Dodgers, and has helped balance a 16th-ranked pitching staff by ERA.
While things haven’t been completely smooth on the year — between Matt Shaw’s struggles at third base and the injuries to the pitching staff — there hasn’t been concern yet in Chicago, partly due to the club’s great depth in the minor leagues.
The Cubs dipped into this depth last week, calling up right-hander Cade Horton with Shota Imanaga landing on the injured list. They’re now primed to do so again.
Multiple reporters, including MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, report that the team will call up catcher Moises Ballesteros on Tuesday. Left fielder Ian Happ will be placed on the injured list with an oblique strain.
Happ’s absence from the lineup the last few days has left Pete Crow-Armstrong to lead off most games. Seiya Suzuki has moved from DH to left field, creating an opportunity for the club to add a bat to the lineup.
