The Cubs optioned RHP Spencer Patton to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. Patton was expected to be sent down to Iowa before Friday’s game with the Brewers in order to make room on the active roster for Mike Montgomery.

Spencer Patton did not appear in a game after the team returned from the All-Star break. Patton pitched well in four of his eight appearances during this recent call up. Patton really took one for the team on July 3 in New York when he pitched 3 2/3 innings in relief of Jon Lester. Patton gave up three runs on three hits and three walks that afternoon. Patton kept Joe Maddon from having to use any more of his bullpen than Joel Peralta and Miguel Montero.

Patton allowed seven runs, six earned, on 11 hits with six walks and 12 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings in the eight games (4.37 ERA, 1.37 WHIP).

In nine games in the big leagues this season, Spencer Patton is 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 3.96 FIP.

Spencer Patton was the closer for the I-Cubs before he was called up. The Cubs stretched him out as a middle reliever and should keep him in that role in Iowa if that is way the team feels he will be able to help the big league club this season.

Patton saved eight of the 26 games he appeared in for Iowa and finished 22 of them. Patton allowed four runs, three earned, on 18 hits with nine walks and 42 strikeouts in 26 innings (1.04 ERA, 1.03 WHIP).

The Cubs will officially announce at least four roster moves prior to Friday’s game (7:10pm CDT) with the Brewers at Miller Park.

• Spencer Patton’s Page on Baseball-Reference

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