Cubs Option Kevin Alcántara to Triple-A Iowa

The Chicago Cubs announced on Friday that they have optioned outfielder Kevin Alcántara to Triple-A Iowa to activate Matt Shaw from the injured list ahead of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.

This move comes as the Cubs seek to secure their position in the National League's top wild-card spot with 28 games remaining in the season. Alcántara, who is 24 years old and stands 6-foot-6, has been sent down for the fifth time this season after being recalled on August 17, where he played for just over two weeks.

In 24 games this year, Alcántara has recorded a .240 batting average with six hits in 25 at-bats, including one home run and six RBIs, primarily serving as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. Shaw, who has been out since June 29 due to a sprained left hand, was activated following a successful rehab assignment where he batted .316 with four RBIs in five games. Alcántara's future with the Cubs remains uncertain, but he is still under club control for several years.