Cubs Recall RHP Blake Parker, Option RHP Neil Ramirez to Triple-A

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs today recalled right-handed pitcher Blake Parker from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-handed pitcher Neil Ramirez to Triple-A.

Parker will be available for the Cubs this afternoon vs. the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

The 29-year-old has no record and 21 saves with a 1.29 ERA (4 ER/28.0 IP) in 28 games for Iowa this season. He has limited the opponent to a .206 batting average, walked nine and struck out 40, good for an average of 12.9 strikeouts per 9.0 innings. His 21 saves lead the Pacific Coast League.

Parker begins his fourth stint with the Cubs this season and is 1-0 with a 9.53 ERA (6 ER/5.2 IP) in five big league outings. In parts of three major league seasons since making his debut with the Cubs in 2012, Parker is 2-2 with one save and a 3.72 ERA (24 ER/58.0 IP) in 61 relief appearances.

Ramirez, 25, is 1-1 with three saves and a 0.96 ERA (3 ER/28.0 IP) in 33 relief outings for the Cubs this season.