Cubs activate Ruggiano, option Kalish to Triple-A

SAN FRANCISCO -- After missing all of last season and most of 2012 to undergo right shoulder surgery, Ryan Kalish knows he needs regular at-bats. He's now headed to Triple-A Iowa to do just that.

On Monday, the Cubs activated outfielder Justin Ruggiano from the 15-day disabled list and optioned Kalish to the Minor Leagues.

"I just know I need to play," Kalish said Monday. "I haven't played in so long, and playing time now has been a little sparse. It makes sense. I didn't expect to be here at this point. I'm ready to go get my playing time, work on my game and get back [as soon as possible]."

Kalish made the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career, but had made 20 starts in 39 games played for the Cubs. He was batting .242 with two doubles, three triples and four RBIs.

"I'm at a point where it's almost redevelopment that I have to do," Kalish said. "I'm going to go work on my game, and we'll see what happens. I'm confident I'll be back at some point."

Ruggiano, 32, has been on the disabled list since April 24, with a left hamstring strain sustained the day before in the ninth inning against the D-backs. In six injury rehabilitation games with Iowa beginning May 19, Ruggiano batted .143 (3-for-21) with a double, three walks and three runs scored.

Kalish, 26, is hoping he'll be back soon.

"I'm going to go down and earn it, that's the goal," he said.