According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune (via MLB Trade Rumors), former VHS and Notre Dame star Jeff Samardzija will be called up to the Chicago Cubs’ major league roster on Thursday.
The news comes as the Cubs’ early season bullpen struggles have forced the Cubs’ hand to reach to the minors to get some help. “The Shark” has pitched 21 innings in the minors so far with a 1.80 ERA as a starter. The Cubs’ starting rotation is filled with Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Demptser, Ted Lilly, Rich Harden. Jeff could fit in to be the team’s fifth starter, moving Sean Marshall to the bullpen as an additional left hander to give a break to LHP Neal Cotts. Cotts leads the team in appearances so far this season.
Samardzija could also fit is as bullpen relief. He had success last season, striking out 25 in 27 2/3 innings with a 2.28 ERA. Luis Visciano is expected to be released.
UPDATE: According to Cubs GM Jim Hendry, Samardzija will head to the bullpen.