Major-league coach Jonathan Mota had a difficult conversation with Moisés Ballesteros at the Chicago Cubs’ locker room. The 22-year-old Ballesteros learned he would be optioned while Justin Dean was recalled. Mota, a fellow Venezuelan, supported Ballesteros, trying to soften the blow.
Of course, he was sad, bothered. That’s normal, because no one wants to be sent to the minor leagues.
Before the Cubs’ 16-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, Mota explained the decision wasn’t due to poor performance. Ballesteros needed more playing time, and the minors offered that opportunity.
Ballesteros had started strong, hitting .400 early in the season and securing a place in the lineup. However, a slump followed. He managed only a .139 average with a .466 OPS over 114 at-bats. The team decided he would benefit most by playing regularly in Iowa with the hope of returning to form.
Meanwhile, Matt Shaw returned strong from the injured list, going 6-for-19. He played right field as Seiya Suzuki filled the designated hitter role. Suzuki delivered with a 3-for-5 performance against the Blue Jays.
Manager Craig Counsell mentioned two reasons for Ballesteros’ reassignment. First, his batting didn’t qualify him as a designated hitter, and secondly, they wanted him to catch more, which required time in Triple A.
The Cubs’ offense excelled, sending 12 to bat in the first inning and scoring seven times, including Carson Kelly’s grand slam. They pressured Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman, hitting against his 3.41 ERA.
Manager Counsell acknowledged the achievement:
Gausman’s not easy — he’s one of the better guys at avoiding the walk, so we did a good job against him to get the rally moving.
The Cubs showed promise, averaging 6.5 runs over the last eight games, improving their previous 3.21 runs over 29 games.
Cubs starter Ben Brown contributed by pitching six strong innings. His no-home-run streak ended, but he maintained a 1.85 ERA over 68 innings this season, boosting the injury-laden pitching staff.
Carson Kelly praised Brown:
He’s got really good stuff and that change in mentality of ‘Hit it, I’ve got really good stuff, I’m coming after you,’ and that aggressiveness, you feed off that as a catcher and a position player.
Justin Dean shined, hitting a three-run triple. His MLB journey began with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, mostly as a runner or defensive player. Friday’s performance was a significant moment in his career.
Dean reflected on his hit:
Once I saw it land, I’m like, ‘Oh, there it is.’ That’s the first hit. Then once I kind of settled in, I almost cried. We kept it inside, though. Just super happy.