Bryant recalled by Cubs

Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - As expected, the Chicago Cubs recalled third baseman Kris Bryant from Triple-A Iowa on Friday.

The Cubs sent the highly touted prospect back to the minors at the end of March following a stellar spring training, doing so only in an effort to keep Bryant under the club's control -- contract-wise -- for an extra year.

Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, delaying Bryant's service time in the majors by 12 days pushes the slugger's free agent eligibility back until after the 2021 season.

Bryant belted nine homers, drove in 15 runs and batted .425 over 40 at-bats in 14 games this spring in Arizona. He clubbed three homers, knocked in 10 runs and hit .321 during his short stay at Iowa.

"Today I got to tell my family that my dream is coming true," Bryant wrote on Twitter Thursday night after he was notified by the Cubs of his Friday recall. "Can't really put into words what that feels like. So excited for this journey!"

Bryant was immediately inserted into the starting lineup as the cleanup hitter for Friday's game against San Diego.

The Cubs also activated outfielder Chris Denorfia off the 15-day disabled list and opened two roster spots by placing pitcher Neil Ramirez and third baseman Mike Olt on the DL.

Olt, who had been holding down the position at third base until Bryant's imminent recall, has a hairline fracture in his right wrist. He had just two hits in 15 at-bats, including a solo home run, in six games this season.

Ramirez, sidelined with right shoulder inflammation, was 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in five appearances out of the bullpen for the Cubs this season.

Denorfia had been on the disabled list with a strained hamstring.