The Cubs reinstated pitchers Adbert Alzolay and Dillon Maples off the 10-day injured list Wednesday, as MLB active rosters expanded.
In the past, teams could carry up to 40 players on their active roster once the calendar flipped to September — so long as they were on the 40-man roster.
It's far more modest now. Teams are required to carry 28 players starting Sept. 1, up from the typical 26.
Alzolay last pitched for the Cubs Aug. 13, leaving his start against the Marlins in the second inning before going on the IL a day later with a left hamstring strain.
He made a rehab start with Triple-A Iowa last week, pitching two innings. He'll come out of the bullpen this month so the Cubs can monitor his workload.
The right-hander has thrown 108 1/3 innings this season, including the rehab start. His career high at any level is 120 1/3 in 2016.
Alzolay holds a 5.16 ERA in 21 starts this season.
Maples went on the IL July 29 with a blister. He made nine appearances with Iowa on a rehab assignment in August.
In 24 big-league appearances this season, Maples has a 2.28 ERA.
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