Vidal

Brujan

Bruján gets traded a week after being designated for assignment. He’s now three years removed from being viewed as one of the game’s better infield prospects, and it’s just hard to see much upside here given his lack of power or defensive value. The 26-year-old has hit .189/.261/.270 in 550 major league plate appearances to date. Out of options, he’ll likely battle for the last spot on the Cubs’ roster in spring training.

This is definitely good for Mervis, who should get a chance to compete for at-bats at first base and DH next spring. His stock has taken a hit, though, given that he’s battled just .155/.222/.259 in 127 MLB plate appearances to date. He also disappointed in Triple-A last season after tearing it up there previously, and there’s a good chance he would have lost his spot on the Cubs’ 40-man roster at some point this offseason. Bruján, who, unlike Mervis, is out of options, was recently DFA’d by the Marlins. He can compete for a utility gig in Chicago, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him wind up on waivers before spring training begins.

The Marlins needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster to sign Eric Wagaman on Friday and unfortunately the 26-year-old former top prospect was the roster casualty. Brujan hit just .222/.303/.319 with two homers, 16 RBI, five stolen bases and a 54/25 K/BB ratio in 278 plate appearances with the Fish. He’s still talented enough that there’s probably another team willing to take a chance on him.

With Vidal Bruján and Derek Hill coming off the IL, there was no room for Hensley on the active roster. The 28-year-old has hit .212/.293/.288 in 23 games for the Marlins with one home run, one steal, and a 29.3 percent strikeout rate.

Bruján will return to the team after being placed on the IL on August 31st with an AC joint sprain; however, with how well Otto Lopez has been playing, Bruján could very well return to a bench role. David Hensley was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

No word yet on how long the Marlins’ expect Brujan to be sidelined for, but you’d think that Xavier Edwards (back) will be able to return and reclaim his starting spot before he’s able to return. Jose Devers was promoted from Triple-A Jacksonville to take his place on the active roster on Saturday.

It’s tough work carrying the Marlins offense. It sounds like Edwards might only miss the minimum, so he still might be a significant factor in fantasy leagues September. Vidal Bruján figures to see most of the time at shortstop for now.

It was initially thought that Edwards would avoid the IL after he reportedly felt better after an on-field workout, but the Marlins will be cautious with their 25-year-old speedster and put him on the IL after all. It’s a huge bummer for fantasy managers since Edwards has been a tremendous waiver add after earning the starting shortstop job, hitting .349 in 47 games with 22 steals and a 12.9 percent walk rate to just a 15.3 percent strikeout rate. Vidal Brujan figures to remain the starter at shortstop while Edwards is out.

Edwards was unable to go Saturday with discomfort in his back, and he’ll miss at least one more game. He’s considered day-to-day, with a good chance to return to the lineup before the end of the week. Vidal Bruján is starting at shortstop with Edwards unavailable.

Edwards is set to undergo additional imaging this weekend after exiting Friday’s contest against Chicago with back discomfort. The 25-year-old speedster has been a revelation for fantasy managers since the start of July, batting .349/.428/.436 with one homer and 22 stolen bases in 47 games. There should be an update on his status at some point this weekend. Connor Norby has been moved up to the leadoff spot with Vidal Bruján taking over at shortstop in his absence.