NEW YORK – The Chicago Cubs today activated left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-handed pitcher Michael Rucker to Triple-A Iowa.
Newcomb, who turns 29 years of age today, landed on the 15-day injured list May 11 (retroactive to May 8) with a left ankle sprain. He made five injury rehabilitation appearances with Iowa, most recently throwing a scoreless inning June 9 at Toledo.
Newcomb was acquired by Chicago from Atlanta April 21 of this season for right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez and a cash consideration. He has made three outings for the Cubs, pitching to an 8.10 ERA (3 ER/3.1 IP) with one walk and three strikeouts.
The six-foot five-inch Newcomb is 24-23 with 18 holds, two saves and a 4.28 ERA (184 ER/386.2 IP) in 147 major league games (57 starts) spanning six seasons with the Braves (2017-22) and the Cubs. He has struck out 393 batters, good for an average of 9.1 strikeouts per 9.0 innings, with 205 walks allowed.
Selected by the Angels in the first round (15th overall) of the 2014 Draft out of the University of Hartford, Newcomb was acquired by Atlanta November 12, 2015, with infielder Erick Aybar, right-handed pitcher Chris Ellis and cash for infielder Andrelton Simmons and catcher Jose Briceno.
Rucker, 28, is 0-1 with one hold and a 5.49 ERA (12 ER/19.2 IP) in 12 relief appearances for Chicago this season.
