SURPRISE, Ariz. — Chicago Cubs right-hander Carlos Silva has been told he will not be on the team's 25-man roster when the season starts Friday.
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry announced Saturday that Andrew Cashner will be the club's fifth starter, leaving Silva without a spot. Hendry said Silva would be offered a minor league assignment, but Silva said there was "no chance" he would report to Triple-A Iowa.
If Silva opts to be released, the Cubs are on the hook for his $11.5 million salary this season.
Silva was 1-2 with a 10.90 ERA in five appearances this spring after going 10-6 with a 4.22 ERA in 21 starts last year in his first season with the Cubs.
Cashner started Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers.