In a move foretold by Tim Collins‘ designation for assignment, the Cubs have activated righty reliever Tony Barnette from the 60-day IL. To make room on the 25-man roster, righty Rowan Wick was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
The 35-year-old Barnette signed a major league deal with the Cubs this past February, but has not pitched for the big league club due to lingering shoulder issues. He’s back to full health now, though, and he’s been lights-out during his recent rehab stint.
Barnette appeared in four games for the Iowa Cubs between April 21 and May 1 as part of an earlier rehab assignment, but recurring soreness shut him down after that fourth appearance.