Cubs Promote 7 To Big Leagues -- But Not Bryant

(CBS) With rosters expanding now that it's September, the Cubs promoted seven players to the major leagues Tuesday, according to reports, with one notable absence.

Kris Bryant.

That was the plan all along for the Cubs, who wanted Bryant to play an entire season in the minor leagues and also likely have service time reasons to not call up one of baseball's top prospects until next year. Bryant has a strong case to be the minor league player of the year after leading all levels with 43 homers in 2014.

Those who will be moving up to the big leagues are pitchers Brian Schlitter, Dan Straily, Eric Jokisch, Arodys Vizcaino and Zac Rosscup, as well as outfielder Junior Lake and catcher Rafael Lopez. Jokisch, Vizcaino and Lopez will be making their debuts soon for the Cubs.

Straily should join the team's rotation, and Jokisch figures to receive a start or two as well. The Cubs have hinted that they could go with a six-man rotation at ties in September.