Ryan Kalish’s major league career still hasn’t taken off.
Kalish, once a highly touted prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization, was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The move made room on the Cubs’ roster for pitcher Jacob Turner, who was acquired from the Miami Marlins.
Kalish turned heads after being drafted by the Red Sox in the ninth round in 2006. The outfielder was considered one of Major League Baseball’s top 100 prospects before the 2008 season by both Baseball America (No. 96) and Baseball Prospectus (No. 60). He ultimately broke into the majors with Boston in 2010, hitting .252 with four homers, 24 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 53 games that season.
A rise to stardom seemed inevitable, but neck and shoulder injuries have stalled Kalish’s career. He never appeared in the majors in 2011 and then missed all of 2013. The Red Sox chose not to tender him a contract following the 2013 season.
Theo Esptein and the Cubs took a chance on Kalish. The 26-year-old made the club’s Opening Day roster this season, but he has hit just .242 (22-for-91) with four RBIs and three stolen bases in 39 games at the major league level in 2014.
Kalish, known for his gritty style, is young enough that better days could lie ahead. Things haven’t come together to this point, but he at least is healthy, which hasn’t always been the case.
