The Cubs have added some speed to their reserve ranks for the stretch run, signing outfielder Billy Hamilton to a Minor League contract. The move was made official on Aug. 31, so Hamilton will be eligible to play for Chicago in the postseason.

It’s possible the club will consider carrying Hamilton on its roster as a potential pinch-running option come October, though manager Craig Counsell indicated before Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Braves that any players signed this late in the year were only being viewed as contingency options. (Chicago also recently inked pitchers Austin Gomber and Joe Ross to Minor League contracts.)

“At this point, if players signed to go to [Triple-A] Iowa, those are the kind of scenarios where something you don't really plan on happening, happens,” Counsell sa

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