Mike Tauchman has been activated from the injured list ahead of the Chicago Cubs series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tauchman had been on the IL since June 17th because of a groin strain. Alexander Canario was sent back to AAA Iowa in the corresponding news. Canario only got three at bats in his most recent stint with the Major League club. He should get an extended look with the Cubs at some point this season.

Tauchman returning is big on a couple of fronts. First, he has been a solid contributor this season hitting .259/.359/.382. Craig Counsell was using him as the leadoff hitter most of the time against right-handed pitchers before his injury.

Secondly, if the Cubs do decide to sell in any capacity at the Major League Baseball trade deadline, Tauchman is one of the few guys who could actually bring a decent return. Teams are always looking for left-handed bats to come off the bench late in games. Tauchman is the ideal guy for that role because he is very good at getting on base.

The Cubs open the “second half” of the season with a six-game homestand that consists of three games against the Diamondbacks and three against the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago needs to win at least four of those six to stay in the race and avoid a selloff at the deadline.