Palencia Activated, Arias Added, Assad Optioned, Miller Designated

The Cubs made a flurry of roster moves ahead of Friday night’s game in Seattle, with Daniel Palencia‘s activation headlining the transactions. Javier Assad continues to be a pawn who gets shuffled around because he’s got an option remaining. See below for more…

The Chicago Cubs today added infielder Gabriel Arias to the 26-man roster and reinstated right-handed pitcher Daniel Palencia from the 60-day injured list. In corresponding moves, infielder Owen Miller was designated for assignment and right-handed pitcher Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Arias will wear #43.

Arias, 26, was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on Wednesday.

Palencia, 26, is 2-1 with three saves, a 2.70 ERA (5 ER/16.2 IP), 19 strikeouts and six walks in 19 relief appearances with the Cubs this season. He was placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation on June 16. In five rehab outings, he allowed five runs in 4.1 IP (10.38 ERA) with six strikeouts. In his last game, he threw 1.0 inning and allowed just one hit while striking out three batters.

Miller, 29, had his contract selected on Monday and made one appearance with the Cubs as a defensive replacement.

Assad, 29, is 6-1 with a 3.46 ERA (32 ER/83.1 IP) and two saves in 22 games (10 starts) for Chicago this season.

The Cubs play the Seattle Mariners tonight at 9:10 p.m. CT at T-Mobile Park in a game that can be seen on Marquee Sports Network and heard on 104.3 the Score.

Palencia, 26, was placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation on June 16. He is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA (5 ER/16.2 IP) and three saves in 19 games in relief for Chicago this season.

The Cubs play the Chicago White Sox tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Wrigley Field in a game that can be seen on Marquee Sports Network and heard on 104.3 the Score and, in Spanish, on 106.7 TUDN.