Hoffpauir was one of the organization's hottest hitters in spring training, batting .419 (26-62) with six doubles, a triple, four home runs and 10 RBI in 28 games. He was all set to be in the Opening Day lineup for the I-Cubs, but strained an oblique muscle on a swing during the team's exhibition game against the University of Iowa on April 1st and officially started the season on the disabled list. With Hoffpauir's return, 1B Jake Fox has been re-assigned to Double-A Tennessee in the Southern League. Fox is batting .222 in 29 games and is currently leading the team with six home runs and 26 RBI, but the I-Cubs roster is now log-jammed with too many players that play the same position. Just before last night's game, Carrasco was activated and will work out of the I-Cubs' bullpen. Carrasco, 37, is a veteran of 20 professional seasons and has made 647 career appearances in the Major Leagues with Cincinnati, Kansas City, Minnesota, Baltimore, Washington, and the Los Angeles Angels. Carrasco was 0-1 with a 1.29 ERA in seven appearances in spring training camp with Pittsburgh, but was released. The I-Cubs had an open roster spot for Carrasco after the retirement of LHP Geoff Jones. Jones was 2-1 with an 8.44 ERA and had one save in 10 appearances for the I-Cubs this season. The I-Cubs will be in action in game two of a four-game series against the Tacoma Rainiers tonight at 6:35 at Principal Park. The gates open at 5:00 and the first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a Greg Maddux jersey shirt sponsored by EDS. The game will also be broadcast live on 1460 KXNO with the pre-game show starting at 6:15. |
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