The Cubs optioned struggling first baseman Frank Schwindel to Triple-A Iowa before Sunday night's game against the Dodgers.
In a corresponding move, the team selected pitcher Adrian Sampson to Iowa.
Schwindel was the Cubs' top hitter in the second half last summer after the team's trade deadline selloff, but he's gotten off to a slow start at the plate this season. He holds a .209/.250/.308 slash line with two home runs and nine RBIs in 25 games.
Over his last 16 games, he's hit .179/.220/.268.
"Somebody that we believe in but need him to get going a little bit," manager David Ross said of Schwindel. "Get down there, work on some things, take a little bit of the pressure off and let him continue to get back to what we expect him to be, what he expects himself to be."
Alfonso Rivas is positioned to receive the bulk of playing time at first base with the Schwindel move.
"[Rivas] set himself up," Ross said. "I think that's part of having a little bit of depth there and [Rivas] off to a good start. Showing a nice calm approach in the box, a really good defensive player.
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"Allows him to get a little runway here to see what he can prove, continue to establish himself as a regular big-leaguer."
Sampson pitched well for the Cubs in a versatile role last season, making several starts and pitching in relief. In 10 games (five starts), he posted a 2.80 ERA in 35 1/3 innings.