Cubs claim Luis Valbuena from Toronto
BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com April 4, 2012 3:42PM
Updated: April 4, 2012 3:42PM
The Cubs added a middle infielder to the roster Wednesday, claiming Luis Valbuena from Toronto and adding him to the opening day roster.
Valbuena, 26, has played parts of three seasons with the Cleveland Indians, but signed with the Blue Jays in spring training.
He may not be the only roster change for Thursday’s opening day.
First baseman Bryan LaHair, who missed the last four games of spring training with back problems, is ``50-50’’ to start at first when the Cubs open against the Washington Nationals.
``He’s improved a great deal,’’ manager Dale Sveum said. ``He’ll come in [Thursday], get treatment, do some soft toss and we’ll make an evaluation. Then he’ll hit a little and if that goes well, we’ll put him in the lineup.’’
Sveum said he hasn’t decided who would play first if LaHair can’t, with Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt possible options.
Perhaps as insurance, outfielder Tony Campana was with the team Wednesday as it worked out at Wrigley Field. Campana has been designated for Class AAA Iowa, but he could be added to the roster if LaHair’s injury requires the disabled list. LaHair’s status could be dated retroactively to the last time he played.
The team had no injuries during spring training.
``We came away healthy, which is probably the most important thing,’’ general manager Jed Hoyer said.
