Cubs reduce roster to 39 players

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MESA – The Chicago Cubs have assigned five players to minor league camp, reducing their spring roster from 44 to 39 players.

Right-handed pitcher James Norwood has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Four non-roster invitees have been assigned to minor league camp: right-handed pitchers Dakota Mekkes and Ben Taylor; and left-handed pitchers Danny Hultzen and Wyatt Short.

Chicago’s spring roster of 39 players consists of 21 pitchers (which includes three non-roster invitees), four catchers (two non-roster invitees), eight infielders (two non-roster invitees) and six outfielders (one non-roster invitee).