Cubs activate Schlitter from DL, option Stevens to Iowa

The Cubs today activated right-handed pitcher Brian Schlitter from the 15-day disabled list and optioned right-handed pitcher Jeff Stevens to Triple-A Iowa.

Schlitter was placed on the disabled list on July 7 (retro to July 3) with right shoulder impingement. He made three rehab appearances with Iowa and did not allow an earned run in 3.1 innings pitched. He tossed 1.0 inning July 17 at Oklahoma City, two innings July 19 vs. Oklahoma City and 0.1 innings July 21 vs. Oklahoma City (was charged with one unearned run).

The 24-year-old was selected by Chicago June 26 and has made three relief outings in his first career big league action, holding the opponent scoreless in his first two outings (2.2 IP). He then allowed five runs in 0.1 innings July 2 vs. Cincinnati, his most recent major league outing, to increase is season ERA to 15.00.

Schlitter began the season with Iowa and is 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA (15 ER/36.1 IP) in 30 Triple-A relief outings.

Stevens has no record and a 6.11 ERA (12 ER/17.2 IP) in 18 relief outings with the Cubs this season (covering three big league stints). With Triple-A Iowa this year, Stevens is 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA (8 ER/22.2 IP) in 16 relief appearances.