CINCINNATI — The Cubs boosted their bullpen to nine pitchers Saturday by recalling Rowan Wick and Dillon Maples from Class AAA Iowa on the day they put starter Cole Hamels on the injured list.
They made room for the second pitcher by designating outfielder Carlos Gonzalez for assignment.
Hamels suffered a strained left oblique during Friday’s first inning and was unable to start the second. The left-hander was pitching like a potential All-Star this season, including a 2.98 season ERA — 1.22 in six June starts.
Gonzalez, who was signed for the prorated major-league minimum after being released by Cleveland a month ago, hit just .