Cubs reliever sent down to Triple-A

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Friday, May 5, 2017, 11:11 AM

Chicago Cubs reliever Justin Grimm has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday according to multiple reports.

Grimm has been struggling in 2017 with a 7.30 ERA including allowing five homers with 14 strikeouts and a high 1.70 WHIP in 12.1 innings. For his career, the 28-year old has 4.66 ERA with three saves, 305 strikeouts, and 1.40 WHIP.

"He just needs a break and he'll be back," Maddon said about Grimm to reporters on Friday.

Felix Pena has been called up to the major leagues to take his spot in the bullpen. In 2017 through eight outings, Pena has a 1.86 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 9.2 innings.

Peña signed with the Cubs as a non-drafted free agent on March 9, 2009 out of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. He is 29-39 with 11 saves and a 3.76 ERA (267 ER/638.1 IP) in 187 minor league appearances (78 starts) covering nine minor league seasons.