MESA, Ariz. – By Sunday afternoon, the Cubs had made a series of roster moves and decisions that provided clarity on their bench.

Utility players Gage Workman and Vidal Bruján made the travel roster for the Tokyo trip, manager Craig Counsell said. That left Nicky Lopez, a veteran non-roster invitee, as the odd man out for the bench battle.

“Nicky had a heck of a camp,” Counsell said. “Did everything we wanted him to do. The other guys around the competition also played very, very well. So, there’s a decision. And they’re on the [40-man] roster as well. So, he’s had a great camp, and it’ll turn out well for him whatever happens here.”

A clause in Lopez’s NRI contract gives him an opt-out at the end of camp if he’s not on the roster by then.

The Cubs return to Arizona for another five spring training games before re-opening the regular season domestically. In theory, the situation could change between now and then, giving the Cubs an opening to add Lopez.

Lopez is expected to explore his options. And between his spring performance, track record and defensive versatility, he could be a fit for several teams.

Including Lopez, the Cubs returned six non-roster invitees to minor-league camp, including outfielder Travis Jankowski, left-handed reliever Brandon Hughes, right-hander Cade Horton, and catchers Moises Ballesteros and Carlos Perez. They optioned infielder Benjamin Cowles to Triple-A.