Chicago Cubs call up Gonzalez Germen, option Matt Szczur

Spring Training darling Matt Szczur has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa in favor of right-handed relief pitcher Gonzalez Germen by the Chicago Cubs. The team announced the move Sunday afternoon on Twitter, as they attempt to add some depth to an already very thin bullpen core early this season.

Szczur, who had a very strong Spring Training with the Cubs, struggled out of the gate this season due to minimal playing time. With just two hits in 10 at-bats and veteran outfielder Chris Denorfia being activated off the disabled list, Szczur became the odd man out as the Cubs add a fresh arm to a taxed bullpen.

He will likely have a shot again eventually this summer with the big league club assuming he can consistently put up good numbers while getting regular playing time in the minors.

Germen was added on waivers by the Cubs in January and stuck around long enough to earn a bullpen job with the Iowa affiliate in Triple-A. In just four appearances this season, Germen was 2-0 and had not allowed a run with five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings, though his control is a concern, already issuing three free passes in limited work.

He spent two season with the New York Mets where he sported a 4.31 career ERA in 54 appearances, including one save. He has tallied 64 career strikeouts.

Hardly an electric arm, the 27-year-old Germen figures to make several different trips between Chicago and Iowa throughout this season as the Cubs added him to the 40-man roster with the move — transferring Jacob Turner to the 60-day disabled list.

His arm was desperately needed now with Neil Ramirez being placed on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation earlier this week — which was a relief for the team as tests revealed no structural damage to the young right-hander. Bullpen arm Justin Grimm is also on the disabled list currently with a strained forearm.

Germen’s promotion comes one day after the Cubs used five relievers in an extra inning victory over the San Diego Padres.  Closer Hector Rondon has been used seven times in 10 games.

Germen is available in the bullpen Sunday for the Cubs in their rubber match against the Padres.

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