Luis

Valbuena

Both were playing with the Lara Cardinales in the Venezuelan Winter League. Valbuena, 33, was a major league free agent after being released by the Angels in August. He spent 11 seasons in the bigs, hitting a career-high 25 homers for the Astros in 2015. Castillo, 37, played five seasons in the majors from 2004-08. Our condolences go out to the families of both.

Valbuena, who was acquired from the Indians in November, lost out to Omar Vizquel for a utility infield job this spring. The 26-year-old spent most of last season at the Triple-A level, batting .302/.372/.476 with 17 homers and an .848 OPS over 472 plate appearances.

Valbuena owns a .226/.286/.344 batting line in the big leagues and only appeared in 17 games with the Indians last season. However, he’s still just 26 years old, so it’s worth a chance to see if he can finally put things together.

The move clears him from the 40-man roster. Valbuena, who was just claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays this week, passed through waivers unclaimed this time and will head to the minors. Entering his age-26 campaign, he still has time to put it together in the majors.

The Jays are only planning to keep one backup infielder, and Omar Vizquel looms as the clear favorite. However, since Valbuena is out of options, he figures to have a spot on someone’s roster if he excels this month. He’s always been a nice Triple-A hitter, and at 26, he still has time to put it together in the majors.

Valbuena, 25, batted .209 (9-for-43) over 17 games with the Indians this season. He has struggled to match his gaudy minor league numbers on the major league level, but a club desperate for infield depth may make a claim.

Valbuena was designated for assignment by the Tribe last week after going 9-for-43 in 17 games this past year in Cleveland. He’s unlikely to suddenly flourish up north.

The Cubs don’t have much to lose by throwing Josh Vitters out there regularly, but they don’t want to bury the youngster. Vitters went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts Monday in his last start and is now batting .093 with 19 strikeouts over 56 plate appearances. Sveum said he’ll “mix and match,” while at the same time giving Vitters “some time to kick back.”

Valbuena is starting at third base on Thursday afternoon for the Cubs and should see regular playing time at the hot corner over the next few weeks while Ian Stewart rehabs a wrist injury. But the 26-year-old native of Venezuela is doubtful to hold any fantasy value.

He’s just getting the afternoon off. Luis Valbuena will start at second base and bat sixth against right-hander Bud Norris.