Cubs recall RHP Blake Parker, place LHP Wesley Wright on paternity leave list

SAN FRANCISCO - The Chicago Cubs today recalled right-handed pitcher Blake Parker from Triple-A Iowa while left-handed pitcher Wesley Wright has been placed on the paternity leave list.

Parker, 28, has turned in a 0.77 ERA (1 ER/11.2 IP) with Iowa while picking up eight saves. He's walked none and struck out 15, good for an average of 11.6 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched. Parker has a 0.69 WHIP, allowing just eight hits, while holding the opponent to a .190 batting average (8-for-42).

Parker, who wears uniform number 50, begins his second stint with the Cubs this season. He was recalled from Iowa, April 13, and made two relief appearances - allowing three runs in 1.2 innings - before he was optioned to Iowa, April 24.

In parts of three major league seasons since making his debut with the Cubs in 2012, Parker is 1-2 with one save and a 3.50 ERA (21 ER/54.0 IP) in 58 relief appearances. He has walked 20 and struck out 61, good for an average of 10.2 strikeouts per 9.0 innings.

Since he was selected by Chicago in the 16th round of the 2006 draft, Parker is 14-17 with 74 saves and a 2.91 ERA (115 ER/356.0 IP) in 269 career minor league contests, all in relief. He has walked 165, struck out 386 and allowed just 26 home runs.

Wright, 29, is 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA (6 ER/17.0 IP) in 18 relief appearances in his first season with the Cubs.