Cubs recall RHP Brian Schlitter, option OF Junior Lake to Triple-A Iowa

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs today recalled right-handed pitcher Brian Schlitter from Triple-A Iowa and optioned outfielder Junior Lake to Triple-A.

Schlitter will be available for the Cubs tonight when they play the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.

The 29-year-old Schlitter joins the Cubs for his third stint in the big leagues this season, as he went 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA (6 ER/6.2 IP) in nine appearances during his first two stays. He is 2-0 with five saves and a 1.13 ERA (2 ER/16.0 IP) in 14 relief appearances with Iowa this season.

Schlitter went 2-3 with a 4.15 ERA (26 ER/56.1 IP) in 61 appearances for the Cubs last season, his first big league action since the 2010 campaign. He turned in a 2.98 ERA (14 ER/42.1 IP) in 43 appearances prior to the All-Star Break before being slowed by right shoulder inflammation that led to a stint on the disabled list in August. Overall, he allowed one earned run or less in 54 of his 61 appearances, including 48 scoreless outings.

The righthander was originally selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 16th round of the 2007 Draft and acquired by the Cubs the next season for lefthander Scott Eyre. Schlitter made his big league debut in 2010 with seven relief appearances. He is a native of Oak Park in suburban Chicago.

Lake, 25, is batting .224 (13-for-58) with four doubles, one home run and five RBI in 21 games with the Cubs this season.