The Cubs recalled Contreras, the top catching prospect in the minors, on Friday. He did not start but was inserted late in the game as a defensive replacement. Miguel Montero started and went 0-for-5 to drop his slash line to .200/.321/.327 and remind the Cubs why they called up Contreras in the first place.
Contreras walloped Triple-A pitching in his 54 games with the affiliate this season, slashing .350/.439/.591 with nine home runs and 28 extra-base hits. He tallied 28 walks against 32 strikeouts, showing his advanced approach at the plate. This comes after a very solid 2015 season at Double-A where he recorded 56 extra-base hits in 126 games to go with a .333/.413/.478 slash line. His nine home runs this year eclipsed his 2015 total of eight, so his power may be arriving.
Contreras still has to deal with Montero and David Ross on the roster, but Ross should start only about once per week in his swan song season. There should be an opportunity for Contreras to get a good amount of playing time right away.
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