Cubs activate righthander Blake Parker, lefthander Alex Hinshaw designated for assignment

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today activated right-handed pitcher Blake Parker from the 60-day disabled list.  Left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw has been designated for assignment. 

Parker will be available for the Cubs tonight against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.

The 27-year-old Parker returns to the active roster after landing on the disabled list June 6 with a right elbow stress reaction.  He was originally selected from Triple-A Iowa on May 17 to make his major league debut, recording no record and a 0.00 ERA (4.1 IP) in four relief outings.  Parker began the season with Iowa and went 1-0 with five saves and a 2.08 ERA (3 ER/13.0 IP) in his first 13 relief appearances to earn his first promotion to the big leagues. 

As part of his return, Parker made eight rehab appearances with Iowa and went 0-1 with one save and a 5.06 ERA (6 ER/10.2 IP) in those outings.  He struck out 13 batters and walked only one in 10.2 innings pitched, and limited opponents to a .179 batting average.

Originally selected by the Cubs in the 16th round of the 2006 Draft, Parker is 14-16 with 59 saves and a 3.03 ERA (110 ER/326.2 IP) in 241 minor league appearances, all in relief.  The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder has struck out 345 batters in 326.2 innings pitched, an average of 9.5 strikeouts per nine innings.

Claimed off waivers from the Padres on August 19, Hinshaw allowed five runs in 0.1 innings pitched covering two appearances with the Cubs.  He combined to go 1-1 with a 6.04 ERA (19 ER/28.1 IP) in 33 relief appearances between the Padres and Cubs this season.