The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney reports that the Cubs are “accelerating the catching program for” Moisés Ballesteros.
The 22-year-old rookie has put up video game numbers as a hitter this season, and the Cubs have decided that they can no longer keep slow-playing his development behind the plate. Ballesteros got his first start this season behind the plate in Monday night’s 9-7 loss to the Padres. According to Mooney, “Ballesteros has been engaged in the process, catching bullpen sessions, doing throwing drills, and participating in meetings,” so the Cubs will now try to get him more game reps. Cubs manager Craig Counsell would not commit to those reps being regular, so it remains unclear how soon Ballesteros will gain catcher eligibility in fantasy leagues where he doesn’t yet have it.