The Cubs dipped further into their catching depth Friday as backup P.J. Higgins hit the 10-day injured list with a right forearm strain.
In a corresponding move, the club recalled veteran José Lobatón from Triple-A Iowa.
Lobatón, 36, spent last season at the Cubs' alternate site before they re-signed him on a minor-league deal in February. After spring training, they assigned him to the alt site and later Iowa.
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The veteran is the fourth backup catcher to join the Cubs roster this season, following Tony Wolters, Austin Romine and Higgins.
Romine started the season on the IL with a right knee sprain that limited him in spring training, leading to the Cubs signing Wolters ahead of Opening Day.
When Romine returned from the IL in mid-April, Wolters was designated for assignment. But Wolters returned for a second stint after Romine landed back on the IL April 26 with a left wrist sprain.
The Cubs DFA'd Wolters last month, assigning him to Iowa after he cleared waivers, and Higgins has backed up Willson Contreras since.
MLB
To make room for Lobatón on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated pitcher Dakota Chalmers for assignment.
They claimed the right-hander off waivers from the Twins last Saturday and assigned him to Double-A Tennessee.