Gage Workman. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Struggling Chicago Cubs rookie could return to Detroit Tigers

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Andy Jachim | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 8:56 AM ET

The hot corner struggles for the Chicago Cubs continued in Tuesday’s thrilling victory at Wrigley Field against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gage Workman got the start and made both of Chicago’s errors in what turned out to be the best game of the young season so far.

Matt Shaw was the Opening Day starter for Chicago at the third base spot, but the top prospect’s first stint in the big leagues turned sour rather quickly. Shaw slashed .172/.294/.241 with a .535 OPS in his 18 games and 58 at-bats to begin his professional career and was sent down to Iowa last week to work out the kinks in his offensive game.

With Shaw being down in Triple-A for the time being, the Cubs officially brought back an old friend on Wednesday who has an established big league-level glove.

The Chicago Cubs have DFA’d Gage Workman

Gage Workman. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Per reports, the Cubs officially designated Workman for assignment on Wednesday and have signed Nicky Lopez to the active roster prior to the first pitch of the series finale against the Dodgers. Workman was a Rule 5 draft pick of the Cubs this past offseason and made the team after hitting well in spring training. In nine games and 14 at-bats at the big league level this year, he hit .214 and drove in three runs. Workman could return to the Tigers organization. Since he's a Rule 5 draft pick, if no other team claims him, the Cubs must offer him back to the Tigers organization for $50K.

Lopez was with the Cubs in spring training this year and was granted his release after he did not make the travel roster to Japan. The Naperville native spent last year with the White Sox and collected six at-bats to begin 2025 with the Angels before Zach Neto returned from injury. Lopez is known for being a strong defender and can perhaps aid the issues that the team has had at third base to begin the season.