CHICAGO -- The Cubs will open the second half of the season with reliever C.J. Edwards and outfielder Albert Almora Jr. back on the roster.
Edwards was activated from paternity leave on Tuesday, while Almora, who had returned to Chicago last Saturday to attend to a family matter, is expected back on Thursday night when the Cubs face the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

Infielder David Bote and reliever Rob Zastryzny were both optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. Bote was called up on Sunday in San Diego and went 1-for-2 with a walk, hitting a double. He has compiled a .310 average in 20 games for the Cubs this season. Zastryzny has appeared in six games for the Cubs this season, giving up three runs over 5 2/3 innings.
Anthony Bass, who has been on the disabled list with an illness since July 5, threw one inning in relief for Triple-A Iowa against Memphis on Tuesday night and struck out one. Bass has been an integral part of the Cubs' bullpen this season, giving up one earned run over 14 1/3 innings in 14 appearances.