Cubs add Grimm, three others to roster
Right-hander was acquired from Rangers in Garza deal
CHICAGO -- Justin Grimm's parents were at Triple-A Iowa's final game on Monday in Nashville to drive their son home, but instead of joining them for a five-hour drive, the right-hander got on a plane to Chicago.
Zac Rosscup was grabbing his gear in the clubhouse, ready to go to the airport to fly home to Phoenix, when Iowa pitching coach Mike Mason asked to talk to him after Monday's game.
Both Grimm and Rosscup found out that their seasons had not ended yet, as both pitchers were promoted to the Cubs on Tuesday.
The Cubs recalled Grimm, pitcher Brooks Raley and catcher J.C. Boscan from Iowa and selected Rosscup from Iowa. Rosscup was not on the 40-man roster, and to make room, outfielder Dave Sappelt was designated for assignment.
"It'll be nice to see Rosscup and Grimm in action and what they've got," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Tuesday.
Grimm, 25, was acquired from the Rangers on July 22 in the Matt Garza deal. The right-hander was 2-3 with a 4.68 ERA in eight starts at Iowa. In his last outing against Nashville, he gave up one run on five hits over six innings, striking out six.
Rosscup, 25, acquired from the Rays in the Garza deal in 2011, began the season at Double-A Tennessee, and was 2-1 with three saves in 37 games in relief, holding hitters to a .197 batting average. He was promoted in early August to Iowa, and did not give up an earned run over 7 2/3 innings in nine games. He struck out 17.
"It was a surprise, for sure," Rosscup said of the promotion. "They've given me a lot of opportunities this year."
The lefty, who throws a fastball and slider, struck out 83 batters over 51 innings combined, an average of 14.6 strikeouts per nine innings. How did he account for all the Ks?
"I think I'm just lucky, and just missing guys," he said.
Raley, 25, made five starts last season for the Cubs, compiling a 1-2 record and 8.14 ERA. He was promoted earlier this season, and appeared in one game in relief. This season at Iowa, he was 8-10 with one save in 27 games (25 starts) for Iowa, giving up 70 earned runs over 141 1/3 innings, while striking out 95 and walking 45.
Rosscup and Raley were given lockers next to each other at Wrigley Field.
"Brooks has taken a big-brother role and helped me get acquainted," Rosscup said.
The Cubs have basically relied on one lefty, James Russell, for most of the season, and he's appeared in 70 games entering Tuesday. Sveum wouldn't mind having more options.
"We're obviously looking for two lefties in the bullpen, and we have to evaluate to see what we can come up with, whether it's in-house or out-house," Sveum said.
Boscan, 33, batted .232 in 74 games at Iowa with nine doubles and 18 RBIs. He's appeared in 11 Major League games with the Braves. He's played professional baseball since 1997.