MILWAUKEE — The Cubs recalled outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong from Triple-A Iowa and optioned infielder Luis Vázquez on Thursday before the series finale against Brewers at American Family Field.
Crow-Armstrong was in the lineup his first day back up in the majors, batting eighth and playing center field. Against Brewers right-hander Colin Rea, Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger moved to designated hitter.
“Pete has to earn playing time,” manager Craig Counsell said. “We have a couple situations like that. We’re going to have some choices every day in the lineup.”
With Crow-Armstrong playing center field whenever he is in the lineup, Bellinger could move between center field, first base and right field.
The Cubs recalled Crow-Armstrong as soon as he’d fulfilled the minimum 10-day requirement for position players who have been optioned — which can only be skirted with a corresponding injured list move. In that time, he went 12-for-31 at the plate with three home runs.