Cubs activate catcher Steve Clevenger, catcher Blake Lalli optioned to Triple-A

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today activated catcher Steve Clevenger from the 15-day disabled list.  To make room for Clevenger on the roster, catcher Blake Lalli was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. 

Clevenger will be available for the Cubs this afternoon against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field.

Clevenger returns to the active roster after landing on the disabled list on April 28 with a right oblique strain.  A member of Chicago’s Opening Day roster, Clevenger was hitting .500 (11-for-22) with five doubles, two RBI and four runs scored at the time of his injury.  He has a .522 on-base percentage and a .727 slugging percentage, good for a 1.249 OPS this season.

The left-handed hitter played in five games during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, batting .462 (6-for-13) with two doubles, one home run and three RBI.  After going 3-for-3 with a double and solo home run on Saturday, Clevenger caught all nine innings yesterday in Memphis, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and two walks.

Lalli batted .133 (2-for-15) with two RBI in six games with the Cubs.