Cubs Send Samardzija To AAA

The Chicago Cubs demoted Jeff Samardzija on Wednesday to Triple A-Iowa. The resulting move brought reliever Chad Fox to the major league squad.

Samardzija has struggled in his major league tenure this season while attempting to make the tough mid-season transition from starter to reliever. Manager Lou Pinella said the former Valpo grad needed to develop a few pitches in order to maximize his effectiveness. Samardzija struggled against the Giants in his final outing in the majors, bringing his major league ERA up to 8.10.

Samardzija began the season in the starting rotation for Iowa, pitching 21 innings with a 1.80 ERA before being called up to the majors. It remains unclear if he re-joins the rotation.