CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Cubs recalled left-hander Neal Cotts from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday and optioned right-hander Jose Ascanio to the minors.
Cotts is making his first trip back to the majors since the Cubs optioned him to Triple-A on May 20, 2007. The 28-year-old was a key member of the White Sox bullpen in 2005 when they won the World Series, with a 1.94 ERA in 69 appearances, but he's struggled ever since. After getting getting traded across town, he went 0-1 with a 4.86 ERA in 16 appearances with the Cubs in 2007.He was 2-0 with three saves and a 2.00 ERA in 19 appearances in the minors this season.
"He's been pitching very well," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "He can get left-handed and right-handed hitters out and he gives us more left-handed depth out of the bullpen."
Ascanio had given up just one earned run in five innings with the Cubs. Piniella said he was sent down strictly to bring up a lefty arm.
