Cubs rookie 3B Matt Shaw optioned among cluster of moves

Field Level Media|published: Tue 15th April, 20:26 2025

Apr 2, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago Cubs second base Matt Shaw (6) advances to third base on a single by outfielder Ian Happ (8) during the second inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs want Matt Shaw to get a little more seasoning and sent the rookie third baseman to the minor leagues on Tuesday as part of a number of roster moves.

In addition, the Cubs place right-hander Eli Morgan (elbow) on the 15-day injured list, while right-hander Nate Pearson also was optioned to Triple-A Iowa with Shaw. Chicago reinstated infielder Vidal Brujan from the injured list, while left-hander Luke Little and right-hander Daniel Palencia were recalled from Iowa.

The No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Shaw opened the season 10-for-58 (.172) over 18 games with a home run and three RBIs. His lone multiple-hit game came April 2 at the Athletics.

Shaw, considered the top prospect in the Cubs system by MLB Pipeline, had three hits in his last 24 at-bats, although had singles in his last two contests.

Selected out of Maryland, Shaw moved through the system quickly, making his way to Triple-A for 35 games in 2024. In 121 total minor league games last season, he slashed .284/.379/.488 with 21 homers.

Morgan, 28, was 0-1 with a 12.27 ERA in seven relief appearances this season, while Pearson, 28, was 0-1 with a 10.38 ERA in eight appearances.

Brujan, 27, made one appearance earlier this season as a pinch runner. He is a career .189 hitter in 202 games with the Tampa Bay Rays (2021-23), Miami Marlins (2024) and Cubs. Little, 24, and Palencia, 25, were called up to the major leagues for the first time this season.

The Cubs continue a three-game series at the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night.

--Field Level Media