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Samardzija likely to get call-up in September

The Cubs haven't announced their September call-ups yet, and much depends on how their minor-league teams do with postseason action, but expect Jeff Samardzija to get the call at some point.

Samardzija, who opened the season in the major-league bullpen, has been pitching as a starter at Class AAA Iowa. On Monday, he improved to 10-2 with a 3.05 ERA as Iowa beat Fresno 5-3. He worked 6 innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 unearned run while walking one and striking out five.

The Cubs felt it was a solid outing, with Samardzija pitching at 95 mph and topping out at 98. He also has added a cutter to his repertoire.

"I would expect Jeff here soon," manager Lou Piniella said. "I don't make these decisions on who gets called up. But I would expect Jeff to be here. He's had a really nice Triple-A season, and I'm sure he's going to deserve this opportunity to come up here and pitch here."

The former Notre Dame football star is signed to a major-league contract that runs through next year, with club options for 2012 and 2013.

The development of secondary pitches has been the biggest stumbling block for the 25-year-old Samardzija.

Liking it: Darwin Barney picked up his first major-league hit Monday night, a double. He was called up last week after the trade of infielder Mike Fontenot to San Francisco.

"I thought Barney did a nice job last night," Lou Piniella said. "I was impressed. He made some nice plays at shortstop. He hit the ball hard a few times.

"He's a good-looking young player. He's got a nice little future ahead of him in the major leagues, whether it's a starting position, whether it's a utility role. I like Barney."

No deal: You can forget about any of those rumors that have third baseman Aramis Ramirez going to Atlanta to replace the injured Chipper Jones. Cubs people were quick to dismiss them.

Ramirez, who has 10-and-5 rights and no-trade protection, holds an option on next year's contract, and he has indicated he will exercise it. He has had a down year at the plate, much of it because of injury, and there might not be much of a market for him.

On top of that, if Ramirez were to be traded, an option for 2012 kicks in, making him a cost-prohibitive option for most teams.

Statue moving: The Cubs said they are moving the statue of Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray from a spot near the intersection of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue to a new spot near Sheffield and Waveland Avenues, outside the center-field bleachers.

A Cubs person said Caray was synonymous with the bleacher fans and that the family was delighted about the move.