PITTSBURGH —  Right-handed reliever Jeff Samardzija has returned to the Chicago Cubs' bullpen and right-hander Jose Ascanio has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Samardzija was recalled Tuesday from Iowa, where he was 5-3 with a 3.72 ERA in 13 games. The former Notre Dame wide receiver had an 8.10 ERA in 3 1-3 innings over five games with the Cubs earlier this season.

Last season, Samardzija was 1-0 with a 2.28 ERA and one save in 26 games with Chicago.

Ascanio was sent down despite striking out 18 in 15 1-3 innings. He was 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA in 14 games.

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