Chicago, IL – The Chicago Cubs placed pitcher Ryan Dempster on the 15-day disabled list on Monday and activated catcher Geovany Soto from the 15-day DL.
Dempster heads to the DL with lat tightness. The 35-year-old won his last three starts and has not allowed a run in his last 22 innings. On the season, Dempster is 3-3 with a 2.11 earned run average.
Soto, who has not played since May 16 because of a torn meniscus in his left knee, is hitting .161 with three home runs and six RBI in 28 games this year.
With Soto back, the Cubs optioned catcher Wellington Castillo to Triple-A Iowa. Castillo hit .206 with one home run and four RBI in nine games this season.
The Cubs also recalled pitcher Scott Maine from Iowa. Maine has appeared with Chicago this season, allowing four earned runs in 5 2/3 innings in the big leagues.