5 Iowa Cubs players who could help Chicago this season

It's already been a busy season full of moves for the Iowa Cubs, who entered Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox having made 81 transactions.

Arismendy Alcantara began the season in Chicago. So did Matt Szczur, who has bounced up and down. Brian Schlitter has also gone up and down.

But who else on Iowa's roster could contribute for Chicago this season? Here are five players that haven't gone to the majors yet this year who could:

Javier Baez, infielder: Baez is the easy choice on the list. But it could be a while before he gets another shot at Chicago after he landed on the disabled list with a non-displaced fracture in his left ring finger. When Baez does return, his time in the minors could be short-lived. Sent down to Iowa to work on his swing and plate discipline, Baez has turned it around by hitting .314 with eight home runs in 37 games. Just as impressive, Baez — a shortstop and second baseman already — added third base to his resume. The question now is, will he still have all the momentum he built up this season when he returns from the disabled list?

Carl Edwards Jr.,relief pitcher: Edwards Jr. spent his entire career as a starter but has found a home in the bullpen this season. The right-hander tallied a 2.66 ERA and struck out 36 hitters in 232/ 3 innings of work with double-A Tennessee, earning him his first promotion to triple-A. Edwards Jr. earned his first triple-A save on June 12, tossing one shutout inning in a 1-0 win. During the outing, he hit 94 and 95 mph on the Principal Park radar gun multiple times.

Donn Roach, starting pitcher: Roach has been the star of Iowa's rotation this season and entered his start on Saturday with a 6-0 record and a microscopic 2.07 ERA in his first 12 starts. The right-hander already has big league experience, appearing in 16 games with the San Diego Padres in 2014. Roach, who was claimed by the Cubs off waivers in the offseason, boasts a strong sinker. His best opportunity might come in a spot-start role.

Blake Cooper, relief pitcher: Cooper, a right-hander, was acquired in a deal where the Cubs sent 2009 first-round draft pick Brett Jackson to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Another sinkerball pitcher for Iowa, Cooper has done a little bit of everything , pitching in just about every type of role out of the team's bullpen. Cooper has gone 4-1 with a 3.26 ERA and two saves in his first 21 appearances with Iowa. He also owns a unique backstory, living in a camper during the season, along with his wife, at Adventureland's campground.

Christian Villanueva, infielder: Villanueva has always been the odd man out at third base with Kris Bryant leapfrogging him on his way to the major leagues and then Baez getting his shot at the hot corner. Baez moving to third opened up a chance for Villanueva at first base. His defense has been spotty at both spots at times this season, but his bat hasn't been. Through his first 44 games with Iowa this season, Villanueva hit .278 with nine doubles, seven homers and two triples.

Honorable mentions: Reliever Armando Rivero could provide some help in Chicago's bullpen. Outfielder John Andreoli offers a speed dynamic. Infielder Chris Valaika brings experience and versatility.