Cubs recall Samardzija

As expected, the Cubs recalled right-handed pitcher Jeff Samardzija from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.

Samardzija is available for tonight's game at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 6:05 p.m.

The Cubs now have 33 players on their active roster.

Samardzija, 24, has a 6-6 record with a 4.35 ERA (43 ER/89.0 IP) in 18 games, 17 starts, for Iowa this season, including a 1-3 mark with a 6.33 ERA (15 ER/21.1 IP) in his last five starts since Aug. 18. He has struck out 71, issued 27 walks and has held opponents to a .231 batting average (9-for-39) with runners in scoring position and two outs.

Samardzija, who begins his third stint with the Cubs this season, has spent time on Chicago's roster April 23-May 6 and June 30-Aug. 13. He is 1-2 with a 7.81 ERA (24 ER/27.2 IP) in 17 appearances (one start) for the Cubs.