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Cubs add Germen to boost bullpen

The Cubs made another attempt Sunday to shore up their beleaguered bullpen.

They selected the contract of Gonzalez Germen from Class AAA Iowa and optioned outfielder Matt Szczur to Iowa. An 11-inning game Sunday and injuries to key right-handers Justin Grimm and Neil Ramirez have put a strain on the pen.

On top of that, the Cubs do not have another scheduled off-day until April 30.

Germen, 27, worked 4 scoreless appearances at Iowa, going 2-0 with 5 strikeouts in 4⅔ innings. The Cubs claimed him off waivers from Texas on Jan. 23. Szczur made the club out of spring training and was 2-for-10.

Getting settled in:

Third baseman Kris Bryant picked up his first major-league extra-base hit in Sunday's 5-2 loss to San Diego, a double to left-center field in the fifth inning.

Bryant got his first big-league hit Saturday, and he said he and his family celebrated by going out Saturday night. After his highly anticipated Cubs debut Friday, Bryant is just beginning to settle into a baseball routine.

"A lot of just baseball," he said. "I was pretty proud of myself. I made an error on my first play of the game (Saturday). To come back … the tone wasn't set early with me making that error, but we came back and hit. It's part of the game. I ended up having a good game and we got the win. So that was pretty fun.

"I'm sure things will start to settle in, and I'll be just a guy on the team. That's all I really want. I just want to be here and help the Cubs win. I've never been the type who likes to be the center of attention, but I understand it's part of the job."

The Cubs head out on the road to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Bryant says he has enjoyed the Wrigley Field experience and the fans.

"They've been great to me so far," he said. "I'm playing as hard as I can for them."

Speaking of Wrigley:

Cubs manager Joe Maddon also says the Wrigley experience is everything it was cracked up to be.

"Love it," he said. "It's as I thought. The fans have been wonderful. All the fans have been very supportive. They're here to the last drop. I've really enjoyed every second of it already and anticipate it's going to get better."

Maddon joined the Cubs last fall after managing indoors for the Tampa Bay Rays.

"I like outdoor baseball," he said. "I've never insinuated otherwise. I really prefer outdoor baseball."

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