Cubs Roster Moves: Garza, Bowden, Camp, Dolis, Sanchez, Burnett

Within the past week or so there have been another flurry of transactions for the Cubs. The headline grabber and one already discussed on Cubbies Crib was Matt Garza finally coming off of the disabled list. The subsequent move at the time was designating reliever Michael Bowden for assignment. This was also mentioned in the rant on Shawn Camp and his trip to the DL on Wednesday, May 22nd.

May 25, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher

(48) pitches during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Reds defeated the Cubs 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

To take Camp’s place in the bullpen, Rafael Dolis was called up for the third time this season. While Dolis was racking up the frequent flier miles, the front office also plucked Eduardo Sanchez off of waivers and optioned him to Triple A. The right handed reliever comes from the rival Cardinals and has respectable WHIP and strikeout to walks numbers despite a 4.26 ERA in a small sample size that is seven appearances and 6 1/3 innings pitch so far this season.

Alex Burnett was a Memorial Day waiver wire pick up from the Orioles and was a timely addition as Kyuji Fujikawa hit the DL yet again. The Japanese veteran had felt a pop in his previous appearance in Cincinnati and news came out on Wednesday, May 29th that the reliever will be requiring Tommy John surgery. The diagnosis means that Fujikawa will be shut down for at least the rest of the 2013 season after signing a two year deal this past off season.

Burnett’s best season came in 2012 with the Twins, where he appeared in 67 games with a 4-4 record and a 3.52 ERA strictly as a reliever. With the injuries and inconsistencies plaguing the 2013 Cubs pen, Burnett at the least will have an opportunity to seize a job if he can prove to be productive. The same opportunity exists for in house prospect Dolis, but the Cubs will really hope to see Carlos Marmol regain his second half 2012 form. Not only to stabilize the bullpen in its current state, but the build up that elusive trade value come late June and July.