The Chicago Cubs have DFA'd Jonathan Villar. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs designate veteran IF Jonathan Villar for assignment, activate David Bote from 60-day IL

On Friday, the Chicago Cubs designated infielder Jonathan Villar for assignment. 

Chicago reinstated infielder David Bote off the 60-day injured list, making Villar expendable on the 40-man roster. 

Villar signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Cubs ahead of the season. He played 46 games, batting .222/.271/.327 with two home runs and 16 RBI. 

The 31-year-old impressed with the New York Mets last season after a down year in 2020. In 2021, Villar slashed .249/.322/.416 with 18 home runs and 42 RBI. 

Bote, 29, returns from the 60-day injured list and is set for his first action since 2021. He underwent offseason shoulder surgery, forcing him to miss the start of the season. 

Last season, Bote batted .199/.276/.330 with eight home runs and 35 RBI. 

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