(670 The Score) Highly regarded Cubs prospect Matt Mervis will hit seventh and play first base in his MLB debut Friday afternoon, when Chicago will host the Miami Marlins.
The 25-year-old Mervis was officially added to the 26-man roster Friday, one day after the Cubs informed him that he was getting promoted.
Mervis was hitting .286 with six homers, 27 RBIs and a .962 OPS in 24 games at Triple-A. Mervis is the sixth-ranked prospect in the Cubs’ farm system, according to MLB Pipeline. He had a monster 2022 season, hitting .309 with 36 homers, 119 RBIs and a .984 OPS in 137 games across three levels in the minor leagues.
“This is always where I’ve expected myself,” Mervis said of his rapid ascension through the Cubs’ system in the past year. “I don’t know how to describe it, really. It’s definitely gone fast, and it’s been a really fun year. But yeah, a year ago, I was in high-A. So a big change, but it’s been fun.
“I have high expectations for myself. I expect to come in and help us win right away.”
In a corresponding roster move Friday, the Cubs optioned infielder Edwin Rios to Triple-A Iowa. He’s hitting .100 with one homer and two RBIs in 12 games for the Cubs this season.
First pitch between the Cubs and Marlins comes at 1:20 p.m. Friday. Pregame coverage starts at 12:45 p.m. on 670 The Score and can be heard here.
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