CHICAGO — Injuries continued to mount for the Cubs, who put reliever Scott Eyre on the 15-day disabled list Saturday because of a left groin strain.
Pitcher Carlos Zambrano (shoulder) and outfielders Alfonso Soriano (broken hand) and Reed Johnson (back) are already on the DL.
The Cubs recalled right-hander Jose Ascanio from Triple-A Iowa to take Eyre’s place on the roster. He made four relief appearances for the Cubs earlier this year with no record and a 1.80 ERA.
Zambrano threw in the outfield before Saturday’s game against the White Sox and said he felt good. He will throw a bullpen session today and hopes to return to the rotation next weekend in St. Louis.
Footnotes.
Alberto Callaspo was placed on the DL for undisclosed reasons by the Royals, one day after being arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. To take his place on the roster, the team recalled first baseman-designated hitter Billy Butler.
• The Pirates recalled right-handed pitchers John Van Benschoten and T.J. Beam from Triple-A Indianapolis and placed right-handed reliever Franquelis Osoria on the 15-day DL with bursitis in his right ankle and optioned outfielder Nyjer Morgan to Triple-A.
• Kason Gabbard was placed on the 15-day DL because of left elbow inflammation, a day after pitching only 3 1/3 innings in his latest start. It is the second DL stint this season for Gabbard, and the ninth DL move involving seven different Texas starting pitchers.
• The Yankees added a fresh arm to their bullpen, purchasing right-hander Dave Robertson’s contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. New York also optioned lefty Kei Igawa back to Triple-A, one day after he was called up.
The Associated Press
