Report: Cubs pitcher called up from Iowa |
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today placed right-handed pitcher Neil Ramirez on the bereavement list and recalled right-handed pitcher Spencer Patton from Triple-A Iowa.
Patton, who will wear uniform number 40, will be available for the Cubs tonight as they begin their four-game series against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field. The 28-year-old Patton has turned in 10 scoreless appearances covering 10.0 innings this season with Iowa, posting no record with four saves in as many chances. He has walked only four hitters while striking out 17, good for an average of 15.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Patton has limited opponents to a .147 batting average and a 0.90 WHIP. Patton broke into the big leagues with Texas in 2014 and went 1-0 with a 0.96 ERA (1 ER/9.1 IP) in nine big league relief appearances before splitting the 2015 campaign between the Rangers and Triple-A Round Rock. He was acquired by the Cubs from Texas last November. Overall, Patton is 2-1 with a 6.75 ERA (25 ER/33.1 IP) in 36 major league relief outings, averaging more than one strikeout per inning with 36 strikeouts in 33.1 frames. The righthander is a native of Urbana, Ill., and was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 24th round of the 2011 Draft out of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He was acquired by Texas for righthander Jason Frasor on July 16, 2014. Ramirez, 26, has no record and a 4.50 ERA (3 ER/6.0 IP) in six relief appearances with the Cubs this season. Thank u everyone for thoughts and prayers. Grandma Ramirez was an amazing woman of faith and is home with the love of her life and Savior! RHP Spencer Patton (@SBPatton) will wear number 40. Last worn by LHP James Russell in 2015. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/IRsWyqjOkR
