The Cubs have recalled Jeff Samardzija from AAA Iowa, which sort of seems strange. In a corresponding move, the team sent successful reliever Jose Ascanio back to AAA Iowa, which sort of seems stranger.
I know Samardzija wasn’t being sent down for good, but is he really ready to contribute? And why does Ascanio get the boot? His 3.50ish ERA too lofty for the vomitous pen?