MESA, Ariz. -- The Chicago Cubs cut nine players on Friday, sending them to minor league camp, including outfielders Matt Murton and 2012 first-round draft pick Albert Almora.
Meanwhile, spring invitee Shane Victorino has accepted the Cubs' offer to rehab a calf injury in Arizona and then will reassess his plans once healthy. He’s considering joining Triple-A Iowa at that time.
Also cut on Friday were right-handed pitchers Brandon Gomes, Jean Machi and Ryan Williams, along with infielders Jesus Guzman and Kris Negron. Outfielders John Andreoli and Juan Perez also went down, leaving the Cubs with 36 players in camp.
Several of the cut players, including Williams, will travel to Las Vegas next week where the Cubs play two exhibition games against the New York Mets. Williams is slated to start one of the games.