PITTSBURGH – The Chicago Cubs today activated right-handed pitcher Brandon Kintzler off of the 10-day injured list and recalled infielder Addison Russell from Triple-A Iowa. Outfielder Albert Almora Jr. and right-handed pitcher James Norwood have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Both Kintzler and Russell will be available for the Cubs tonight when they begin their three-game series at the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kintzler, 35, was placed on the 10-day injured list with right pectoral inflammation on August 6 and did not require a rehab assignment as part of his return. He has gone 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA (12 ER/46.1 IP) in 49 relief outings with the Cubs this season.

Russell, 25, joins the Cubs for the second time this season as he was previously with the big league club from May 8-July 24. Since returning to Iowa last month, Russell batted .333 (17-for-51) with 14 runs scored, four doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI in 15 games at Triple-A. He posted a .413 on-base percentage and a .647 slugging percentage, good for a 1.060 OPS, during that 15-game span. With the Cubs this season, Russell has batted .247 (36-for-146) with three doubles, six home runs and 16 RBI in 55 games.

Almora, 25, has batted .243 (78-for-321) with 12 home runs and 32 RBI in 114 games with the Cubs this season.

Norwood, 25, has gone 3-2 with six saves and a 4.71 ERA (26 ER/49.2 IP) in 39 relief outings with Iowa this year. He made one relief outing with the Cubs on May 24 vs. Cincinnati, tossing a scoreless frame.