McKinstry hopes to get some regular playing time with the Cubs (John Hefti - USA Today Sports)
McKinstry hopes to get some regular playing time with the Cubs (John Hefti - USA Today Sports)

Roster Moves: Zach McKinstry added to 26-man roster, infielder optioned


by - Senior Editor -

SAN FRANCISCO – The Chicago Cubs today added infielder Zach McKinstry to the 26-man active roster and optioned infielder Alfonso Rivas to Triple-A Iowa.

McKinstry, acquired yesterday from the Los Angeles Dodgers for right-handed pitcher Chris Martin, will wear uniform No. 6 and is available for tonight’s 4:08 p.m. PT game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park.

McKinstry, 27, has played in 74 career major league games over three seasons with the Dodgers, going 37-for-176 (.210) with 10 doubles, eight home runs and 31 RBI. During his most extensive major league time in 2021, McKinstry batted .296 (16-for-54) with five doubles, three home runs and 15 RBI in April. He has seen time at right field (27 games), second base (23 games), left field (15 games), third base (13 games), designated hitter (four games) and shortstop (1 game) in his MLB career.

The six-foot tall McKinstry has split time between the Dodgers and Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2022. In 48 games with Oklahoma City this season, he hit .335 (64-for-191) with nine doubles, four triples, four home runs, 25 RBI and 27 walks, contributing to a .417 on-base percentage and a .904 OPS. At the time of the trade, his .335 average ranked second among Pacific Coast League players with at least 200 plate appearances.

In 2019, McKinstry enjoyed a breakout season, batting a combined .300 (129-for-430) with 24 doubles, six triples, 19 home runs and 78 RBI in 121 games between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. During the campaign, he garnered Texas League Mid-Season All-Star honors while with Tulsa.

Selected by the Dodgers in the 33rd round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Central Michigan University, the Toledo, Ohio native has played all eight of his professional seasons in the Dodgers organization. All told, McKinstry owns a .278 average (435-for-1,564) with 78 doubles, 21 triples, 41 home runs and 195 RBI in 444 career minor league games.

Rivas, 25, is hitting .232 (41-for-177) with four doubles, one triple, three home runs and 24 RBI in 71 games for Chicago this season.

Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to Tony Crumpton: Email | Comment
Post your comments!