Iowa Adds Bruno, Fife, Thatcher

DES MOINES - The Iowa Cubs, in conjunction with the Chicago Cubs, made several roster moves including the addition of LHP Joe Thatcher, RHP Stephen Fife and INF Stephen Bruno. RHP Spencer Patton was recalled to Chicago. 

Yesterday, Iowa added Bruno to the roster for his first call-up to Triple-A. Bruno began the season with Double-A Tennessee, but had been on the disabled list since June 11. The 25-year-old played six rehab games with Short-Season Eugene before getting the call to join Iowa. In his debut against Sacramento last night, Bruno went 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base.

Fife was activated off the disabled list and is scheduled to make his fourth start of the season with Iowa tonight. Following Tommy John surgery in August 2014, Fife has struggled to return to full health and has seen limited time this season due to two stints on the disabled list. He last pitched for the I-Cubs on May 23 and threw four scoreless innings. Fife started three games for the Mesa Cubs as a part of a rehab assignment and allowed four earned runs over eight innings. 

The Cubs signed Thatcher to a minor league deal and assigned him to Iowa. Thatcher has spent time in both the Indians' and the Dodgers' farm systems this season, but was release by both teams despite posting a 3.60 ERA through 15.0 innings in Triple-A. Thatcher has 405 Major League games under his belt and holds a career 11-16 record with a 3.38 ERA. 

Patton has been on a shuttle between Iowa and Chicago this season as he was recalled today for the fourth time. With Iowa, Patton is 1-0 with a 0.77 ERA in 35.0 innings. He leaves with an active 16.0-inning scoreless streak. With Chicago, Patton is 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA in 12.1 innings. 

Iowa and Sacramento meet again at 9:05 CT tonight at Raley Field. Listen live on AM 940 or online at www.iowacubs.com.