Chicago Cubs: Mazzoni re-resurrected from Triple-A

Jim Guzior

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Mazzoni gets another ticket to the show; can he capitalize on the opportunity for something more permanent?

Chicago Cubs right-hander Cory Mazzoni was recalled from Triple-A Iowa Wednesday as reliever Carl Edwards Jr. joined the 10-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.

On May 7, Mazzoni threw one inning against the Miami Marlins recording a scoreless venture of a strikeout and two ground ball outs. The next day, Mazzoni returned to Triple-A Iowa and resumed his duties there.

Chance to blend in?

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Rotowire wrote of the quick duty and move of Mazzoni:

"“He has a decent chance to appear throughout the season in a low-leverage role.”"

Mazzoni is sporting a 1.25 ERA in 14 relief appearances in Triple-A this season. Hence, the Chicago Cubs are hoping to ignite some of the fire Mazzoni spread while with the San Diego Padres.

On the Padre’s dime, Mazzoni had a productive assignment to the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. The tiny dog pitcher put up big numbers with 13 strikeouts, one walk and a 1.08 ERA in his six appearances.

One team to the other

In March, the Cubs dropped Mazzoni only to find him immediately claimed by the Dodgers. Two days later, before his locker could even score a new paint job, Mazzoni found himself back with the Cubs. As a result, fans concluded this must mean an assignment for the mighty-righty, but consequently, no roster moves ever developed.

Perhaps the Cubs don’t quite trust the Pennsylvania native to deliver. Mazzoni’s homecoming in Wednesday night’s loss to Pittsburgh was a mediocre performance. In half an inning, he recorded a walk and two fly-outs in the (1-2) loss before turning the ball over to Justin Wilson.

If Mazzoni can show some of that Chihuahuas magic, he could extend his stay due to Edward’s compiling problems as pointed out by Nicholas D. Blazek of Fansided recently:

"“Seeing three games in which he’s given up seven earned runs is difficult.”"

With the move to the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, Edward’s final run average for the month resulted in an unimpressive 5.56 ERA.

Next: Cubs, Mets hook up for four-game set

Mazzoni has a golden opportunity with Edward’s demise but does Edward’s deserve a ticket to Triple-A?

"“There’s no reason that he should be sent to Triple-A if he’s not injured.”"

For now, the ball is in Mazzoni’s hand.

Jim Guzior

Chicago native. Attended Mt. Carmel High School and Roosevelt University on Michigan Ave. Served as a sport's stringer for the Daily Calumet and Southtown Economist newspapers.Saw Ryne Sandburg, Jody Davis and Andre Dawson in Wrigley Field while working in the Loop. Joined the U.S. Army as a Medic and later changed his specialty to Public Affairs and Broadcast/Written Journalism. While in the Army, won dozens of writing and broadcast awards to include a scholarship fund for being the Soldier of the Year in the journalism field. Deployed to Bosnia and later in 2005 to Afghanistan with 7th Special Forces Group as escort to Tom Brokaw of NBC News. Last job was serving as the Senior Army Journalist in the Pacific. Retired after 21 years on Active Duty in 2012; now lives with his family in Hawaii, traveling often around the Pacific and to the mainland while writing about his passion: The Chicago Cubs.