The Cubs’ run of injuries this season continued Saturday, with infielder David Bote going on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right ankle.
Bote suffered the injury during batting practice Friday, when he rolled the ankle on a baseball while going through his pregame routine. He walked off the field with a significant limp and was accompanied to the clubhouse by the Cubs’ training staff.
It doesn’t sound as though Bote will be back in the lineup soon, and the sprain might end his season. Bote also missed significant time with a separated left shoulder earlier in the season.
‘‘It’s pretty nasty how hard he rolled his ankle,’’ manager David Ross said before the Cubs’ game Saturday against the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. ‘‘Ball was laying over there . . . where it’s even hard to see, and [he] stepped right on it and rolled it pretty good.
‘‘Got some test results back, and it’s a significant sprain that we’ll have to treat and try to get him back as soon as we can. But [there is] no timetable at the moment.’’
Putting Bote on the IL was among several roster moves the Cubs made, including promoting infielder Alfonso Rivas from Triple-A Iowa. Rivas, 24, has had a strong season in 2021, slashing .284/.405/.411 with four home runs at Iowa.
It was a long day for Rivas, who found out just before he went to sleep early Saturday that he would be making his first trip to the majors.
‘‘Around 1 o’clock this morning,’’ Rivas said. ‘‘Coming back to the hotel, eating dinner and getting ready for bed. And [Iowa manager Marty Pevey], he calls me and says, ‘Hey, where are you at?’ [I say], ‘The hotel, getting ready to go to bed.
‘‘He was like, ‘Well, come to the field. You need to pack all your stuff because you’re going to the big leagues.’ I didn’t really believe him at first. . . . But, yeah, it was a very surreal moment, and now I’m here and very blessed, really.’’
The Cubs also promoted right-hander Scott Effross from Iowa. Effross, 27, also has had a strong season in the minors, going 7-2 with a 3.41 ERA in 31 appearances. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in August.
‘‘He’s a guy that actually made a lot of changes,’’ Ross said. ‘‘Dropping down and changing the arm slot. Real sink action for righties. Sinker, four-seamer, slider has played really well for him. He’s got a changeup, as well. He’s had a lot of success, so I think he deserves a shot.’’
To make room for Rivas and Effross on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated right-handers Jake Jewell and Ryan Meisinger for assignment.
