The Cubs shuffled their bullpen Thursday, promoting right-hander Zach Putnam from Triple-A Iowa and optioning right-hander Alex Burnett to the Minor League team. To make room on the 40-man roster, Kyuji Fujikawa, who needs Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Putnam was 1-1 with four saves and a 3.26 ERA in 17 games with Iowa. He had 22 strikeouts over 19 1/3 innings. The right-hander, whom the Cubs claimed off waivers from the Rockies, was one of the last players cut in Spring Training. He appeared in 11 Cactus League games, and gave up four runs on 14 hits over 10 innings while striking out six. He and Blake Parker were sharing the closer’s role at Iowa.
“I’ve always loved pitching in the back of the bullpen,” Putnam said.
Burnett was claimed off waivers from the Orioles and arrived about a half hour before the Cubs’ Interleague game against the White Sox. He made his first appearance Wednesday, and gave up one hit in one inning.
– Carrie Muskat
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