Bourjos (calf) was released by the Cubs on Friday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Joe Maddon decided upon an eight-man bullpen for Opening Day and Bourjos ended up as the position-player casualty. The fact that he left Friday's game with a left calf cramp probably didn't help but it seems like this move was predetermined heading into this weekend. Bourjos will look to latch on with another organization after hitting .223/.272/.383 with five home runs and 15 RBI in 203 plate appearances for Tampa Bay last season.

Bourjos was pulled from Friday's game with a left calf cramp, Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs stated that Bourjos was removed as a precaution and he will be considered day-to-day for the time being. The 30-year-old is currently vying for a spot on the Opening Day roster as a backup outfielder after appearing in 100 big-league games for the Rays last season.

Bourjos' chances of making the Cubs' Opening Day roster could depend on whether the team carries seven or eight relievers, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bourjos has been playing well this spring, sporting a .342 average and two steals through 14 games (38 at-bats). If the Cubs keep eight relievers, the veteran outfielder could get crunched, but a seven-man bullpen might open the door. Even if Bourjos doesn't make the team out of spring training, his experience at the MLB level makes him someone who the club would likely feel comfortable calling up in a pinch.

Bourjos is hitting .379 in 11 Cactus League games with five RBI and a stolen base.

EDGE Analysis

Bourjos signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in the offseason and he's a longshot to make the Opening Day roster. However, the 30-year-old has more than 800 games of MLB experience, so he gives the club a veteran option if injuries strike.

Bourjos signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Thursday, Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The outfielder has appeared in over 100 big-league games for four straight seasons, although that will likely come to an end this year. In 2017 with the Rays, Bourjos slashed 223/.272/.383 with five home runs, 15 RBI and five stolen bases, but only received 203 plate appearances (his lowest since 2013) and isn't a reliable presence against right-handed arms. He will provide some depth to the Cubs' outfield, especially with his legs and defensive abilities, but don't expect to see him in an impactful role.

Bourjos, who went 0-for-3 in Tuesday's 6-1 loss to the Yankees, is hitting just .194 over 33 September plate appearances.

EDGE Analysis

The reserve outfielder is hitting just .202 over 90 second-half plate appearances and has equaled a career low with 12 RBI over 96 games this season. However, he's provided some decent pop while compiling 16 extra-base hits (nine doubles, two triples and five home runs).

Bourjos entered Monday's 12-0 win over the Royals in the eighth inning and walked and scored in his only plate appearance.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran reserve continues to see sporadic playing time, having logged just five starts in August. Bourjos is slashing .226/.276/.397 with five home runs and 11 RBI over 157 plate appearances in 2017.

Bourjos will start in center field and lead off Sunday against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bourjos is picking up a second straight start with the Yankees deploying another left-handed starter (Jordan Montgomery) for the series finale. Though Bourjos provided a solo home run Saturday, he's unlikely to see his role change even with another successful showing at the dish Sunday, as he remains locked into the short side of a platoon in center field with Mallex Smith.

Bourjos went 1-for-5 with an RBI double and a run in Thursday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran outfielder continues to see frequent playing time and provide serviceable production, with Thursday's two-bagger marking his third extra-base hit in July and his 11th overall in 118 plate appearances this season. Bourjos has shown more power than usual this season by slugging four home runs in 61 games, after needing 119 and 117 contests, respectively, to reach that total in the 2014 and 2015 campaigns in St. Louis.

Bourjos went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran outfielder's 360-foot shot to left off Chris Sale in the fifth snapped a 1-1 tie and represented his first homer since June 8. Bourjos continues to be reasonably productive in his part-time role, and he's opened July by hitting in three of his first four games. Factoring in Thursday's round tripper, Bourjos is slashing .247/.300/.441 and has nine extra-base hits (four doubles, one triple, four homers) over 100 plate appearances.