With a taxed bullpen in need of reinforcements, the Cubs selected the contract of right-hander Gonzalez Germen and optioned outfielder Matt Szczur to Triple-A Iowa prior to Sunday's series final against San Diego.
To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Jacob Turner was moved to the 60-day disabled list.
Germen will be available out of the Cubs bullpen Sunday.
Five Cubs relievers pitched in Saturday's 11-inning win over San Diego: Jason Motte, Pedro Strop, Phil Coke, Hector Rondon and Zac Rosscup. Manager Joe Maddon said prior to Sunday's game he wasn't sure who'd be available out of the bullpen until he talked to pitching coach Chris Bosio.
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"Mostly when you’re in a bind with your bullpen that means you’ve been playing pretty good, that you have been in a lot of close games and you’ve probably won some," Maddon said. "Rested bullpens are normally the residue of bad play so it’s a good thing/bad thing. You have to balance it up, but you have to take care of the guys and give them some rest also"
The 27-year-old Germen appeared in four games with Triple-A Iowa, firing 4 2/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and three walks. Over 64 2/3 major league innings with the Mets between 2013 and 2014, Germen owns a 4.31 ERA with one save, 64 strikeouts, 30 walks and eight home runs allowed.
MLB
Szczur has appeared in eight games for the Cubs this season with two hits, three walks and two strikeouts in 15 plate appearances.