Cubs recall pitcher Mitch Atkins

The Chicago today recalled right-handed pitcher Mitch Atkins from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-handed pitcher Brian Schlittter to Triple-A.

Atkins joins the Cubs for his third stint in the majors this season and is available for tonight's game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.

In his first two stints with the Cubs, Atkins posted no record with a 6.43 ERA (5 ER/7.0 IP) in three relief outings. He was previously with the Cubs June 12-15 and July 7-20.

The 24-year-old Atkins is 6-2 with one save and a 3.49 ERA (30 ER/77.1 IP) in 22 appearances (10 starts) with Iowa this season. He is 2-1 with a 2.82 ERA (7 ER/22.1 IP) in 12 relief appearances and 4-1 with a 3.76 ERA (23 ER/55.0 IP) in his 10 starts. Overall this season, he has limited opponents to a .230 batting average, including a .229 mark by left-handed hitters and a .231 clip by right-handed hitters.

Atkins has had stints with the Cubs each of the last two seasons. The righthander made his big league debut last year when he posted no record in 2.0-scoreless innings covering two relief outings. Atkins has no record and a 5.00 ERA (5 ER/9.0 IP) in five career relief outings with the Cubs.

Schlitter is 0-1 with a 12.38 ERA (11 ER/8.0 IP) in seven relief appearances with the Cubs this season. He is 1-1 with 12 saves and a 3.72 ERA (15 ER/36.1 IP) in 30 relief outings with Iowa.