According to several reports out of Chicago, the Cubs have optioned Matt Murton to Triple-A Iowa and recalled lefty Clay Rapada. Murton has struggled both in the plate and in the field this season for the Cubs and will benefit from regular playing time at the Minor League level.
Clay Rapada is in Chicago and will be available for Wednesday night’s game against the Mariners. Rapada was perfect in 9 save opportunities for Iowa with a 3.77 ERA. Clay Rapada was added to the Cubs 40-man roster this previous off-season and has not pitched at the Major League level. The Cubs signed him as a non-drafted free agent in July of 2002. Rapada was in Mesa this past spring with the Cubs and posted a 1-1 record with a 9.00 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP. He allowed 6 runs on 11 hits, surrendered 3 home runs, walked 1 and struck out 5 in 6 innings of work.
The addition of Rapada to the big league roster gives the Cubs 13 pitchers and another roster move is likely to come soon. Lou Piniella now has six southpaws on his staff, three in the rotation and three in the bullpen.
Clay Rapada’s stats from the Baseball Cube