Cubs add Billy Hamilton to roster, send down Martínez
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs added speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton to their active roster Tuesday and optioned slumping slugger José Martínez to their alternate training site.
Hamilton was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on Monday. Hamilton, who turns 30 on Wednesday, went 1 for 22 in 17 games with New York before he was designated for assignment on Friday.
Hamilton played the last three innings of Chicago's 3-0 victory over Cincinnati in center field.
Martínez, an infielder/outfielder, is 0 for 14 since he coming over in a trade with Tampa Bay on Aug. 30. The Cubs were hoping he could help address their trouble against left-handed pitching this year, but it hasn't worked out so far.
“In this weird season it's hard to give somebody consistent at-bats when they feel off and their timing's off,” manager David Ross said. “So just giving him an opportunity to go down there, get regular at-bats, get his timing back and come back and be the guy that we really need.”
Right fielder Jason Heyward was out of Chicago's starting lineup for the second straight day. Heyward left Sunday night's 7-3 loss to St. Louis because he was feeling lightheaded and having difficulty breathing.
Heyward has been one of Chicago's most consistent players this year, batting .300 with five homers and 17 RBIs in 35 games. Ross said he has passed all of his medical tests.
“Talked to him after the game, he feels good, and feels like he'll be ready to go tomorrow,” Ross said after the victory over the Reds.
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