CHICAGO (AP) -The Chicago Cubs recalled pitcher Kevin Hart from Triple-A Iowa and sent down Michael Wuertz on Friday.
Wuertz gave up four runs and four hits in 1 1-3 innings Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds, including Ken Griffey Jr.’s three-run homer. He had a more-than-adequate 3.55 ERA in 37 relief appearances, but manager Lou Piniella felt the right-hander could use a tuneup.
“It was a combination of things,” Piniella said. “It’s not easy to tell anybody he’s going down, especially a veteran pitcher. But he needs to work on some things.”
Hart opened the season with the Cubs, but was sent down for the first time on May 2. He was recalled June 3 and sent back down June 12. The right-hander went 2-1 with a 6.62 ERA in 12 relief appearances for Chicago, and had control problems, walking 13 in 17 2-3 innings.
Since his last demotion, however, he has a 2.51 ERA in four starts for Iowa.
“It gives us a fresh arm for this San Francisco series,” Piniella said.
Hart is expected to pitch out of the bullpen again for Chicago.
Outfielder Alfonso Soriano (fracture in left hand) will probably come off the disabled list soon after the All-Star game, and left-handed reliever Scott Eyre (left groin strain) could return soon as well. Piniella said the team will make some roster moves after the break.
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