Cubs recall LHP Chris Rusin from Triple-A Iowa, option RHP Brian Schlitter to Iowa

The Chicago Cubs today recalled left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-handed pitcher Brian Schlitter to Iowa.

Rusin, who will wear uniform number 18, is available for the Cubs this afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

Rusin, 27, has pitched for Chicago in parts of the last two seasons, and last year posted a 3.93 ERA (29 ER/66.1 IP) with a 2-6 record in 13 starts for the Cubs. He recorded 22.1 consecutive scoreless innings on the road from July 27-September 12 of last season, the longest stretch by a Cubs left-handed rookie pitcher in club history.

Since making his major league debut with the Cubs in 2012, Rusin is 4-9 with a 4.69 ERA (50 ER/96.0 IP) in 20 career starts. He has walked 35 and struck out 57, and allowed 12 home runs.

The lefthander started this season with Iowa and is 0-2 with a 6.52 ERA (7 ER/9.2 IP) in two starts. He allowed just two earned runs in 6.0 innings in his most recent outing, April 8 vs. Nashville.

Originally selected by Chicago in the fourth round of the 2009 draft, Rusin last season was named a Pacific Coast League All-Star and was 8-7 with a complete game shutout and a 3.35 ERA (45 ER/121.0 IP) in 19 games (18 starts) for Iowa. All told, Rusin is 30-30 with a 3.77 ERA (234 ER/558.2 IP) in 107 career minor league games (100 starts).

Schlitter, 28, has no record and a 6.35 ERA (4 ER/5.2 IP) in six relief appearances for the Cubs since he was selected from Iowa, March 30.