Cubs option RHP Justin Grimm to Triple-A Iowa

The Cubs posted late Monday the team optioned right-handed reliever Justin Grimm to Triple-A Iowa. The move clears a spot on the active roster for Jason Hammel to come off the bereavement list.

Jason Hammel was scheduled to start Tuesday’s opener against the Angels. The Cubs pushed Hammel back a day and will have John Lackey making the start on Tuesday (7:05pm CDT) at Wrigley.

The Cubs recalled Justin Grimm from Iowa on Aug. 3 when Hammel was placed on the bereavement list. Grimm pitched one inning in the finale against the Marlins. Grimm allowed one hit and a walk while striking out two. Grimm did his job in the ninth and picked up the win when the Cubs walked off the Fish on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth.

In 46 games this season, Justin Grimm is 1-0 with a 4.58 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 3.78 FIP. In 35 1/3 innings, Grimm has allowed 18 runs, all earned, on 32 hits with 16 walks and 40 strikeouts.

After struggling through June, Grimm was lights out in eight games in July. Since the break, Grimm has appeared in six games and given up just three hits in five shutout innings while walking one and striking out six (0.00 ERA, 0.80 WHIP).

Once Jason Hammel is activated, the Cubs’ 25-man roster will consist of 12 pitchers (five starters, seven relievers) and 13 position players.

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