The Cubs optioned infielder Arismendy Alcantara to Triple-A Iowa Tuesday while also transferring third baseman Mike Olt to the 60-day disabled list.
Both moves clear 25-man and 40-man roster spots for top prospect Addison Russell, who is set to start at second base and bat ninth in his major-league debut Tuesday.
Alcantara was just 2 for 26 with five walks and one stolen base in 11 games with the Cubs. Olt is recovering from a hairline fracture in his wrist.