Cubs match hard-luck MLB record with latest team debut

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The Cubs roster has experienced a lot of turnover this season, and it culminated with an MLB record Saturday in St. Louis when infielder Tyler Ladendorf stepped into the batter's box.

Ladendorf pinch hit for the Cubs in the fifth inning, becoming the 67th player they've used this season — tying the MLB record set by the 2019 Mariners.

Ladendorf's appearance also extends the National League record, which the Cubs set earlier this week, breaking a tie with the 2019 Giants (64).

The Cubs' previous franchise record for players used was 56, set back in 2013. 

"We're not looking to break those records," manager David Ross said Saturday.

The Cubs roster underwent significant change this summer as the club dealt a third of its players in a trade deadline selloff that led to many new faces joining the big-league team.

Their roster has been in flux this week amid a series of apparent COVID-19-related moves. Five players have gone on the injured list.

Ladendorf, a grad of nearby Maine West High School, is one of six players the Cubs have called up from Triple-A Iowa in the last four days. 

He also is the 42nd player to make his Cubs debut in 2021. The previous franchise record was 34 (2013).

It was 30 players before that (1902).

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