Cubs release Victorino, will put Baez on disabled list

MESA, Ariz. (AP) The Chicago Cubs released outfielder Shane Victorino before re-signing him to a minor league deal Tuesday and said they will put utilityman Javier Baez on the 15-day disabled list.

Chicago also said its final roster spots will go to pitcher Neil Ramirez, infielder Tommy La Stella and outfielder Matt Szczur.

The Cubs also released infielder Munenori Kawasaki and left-handed reliever Manny Parra and re-signed them to new minor league deals. By releasing the players and re-signing them, the Cubs avoided having to pay $100,000 retention bonuses.

''Everything is kind of in place,'' manager Joe Maddon said.

Baez has a left thumb contusion and Maddon said the team isn't certain he's completely healed.

The fact that second baseman Ben Zobrist ''can play all over the place helps a lot,'' Maddon said. Also, ''Tommy La Stella is really good coming off the bench.''

The Cubs open the season Monday at the Los Angeles Angels.