Cubs recall right-hander Atkins

The Chicago Cubs recalled right-hander Mitch Atkins from Triple-A Iowa and optioned James Russell to the minor league club on Saturday.

Atkins, who made two appearances last year for the Cubs, will work out of the bullpen. He is 4-2 with a 2.63 ERA in 14 appearances -- six starts -- for Iowa.

Russell is 0-1 with a 4.71 ERA in 20 relief appearances for the Cubs.