Chicago Cubs Release Roster Updates Prior to Diamondbacks Matchup

The Chicago Cubs are in the middle of a huge series with the Arizona Diamondbacks that have major playoff and divisional implications. It hasn't gone the way of the Cubs in the first half of the series as they've dropped the first two games.

Entering Saturday, Chicago sits three games back in the NL Central and two games ahead of the Diamondbacks for the second Wild Card spot. Their offense has been stymied so far, only scoring two runs in two games.

Prior to Saturday's game, the Cubs announced major roster updates reported by Andy Martinez of Marquee.

Star pitcher Marcus Stroman continues to work his way back from the injured list. He's scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Monday. He faced live batters earlier in the week in his attempt to return at some point this season.

Martinez also reported that veteran pitcher Shane Greene cleared waivers and has been outrighted to their Triple-A affiliate Iowa Cubs. No team grabbed Greene while he was designated for assignment earlier in the month, so he remains within the organization as a veteran option if Chicago wants to call him up again.

Injured pitchers Nick Burdi and Brandon Hughes are also schedule to throw in Iowa on Saturday as they recover during their rehab assignment.

The biggest news out of these announcements is the continued recovery of Stroman. He's a huge piece for the starting rotation of the Cubs and they'll need him to return at some point this season if they want to be contenders in the postseason.

Their rotation has looked strong in recent weeks with the high level of play from the rookie starters and NL Cy Young candidate Justin Steele. With a healthy Stroman back in the rotation, they could be a scary team in the playoffs.