LHP James Russell outrighted to Iowa

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - The Chicago Cubs today made a series of transactions affecting Iowa's active roster for tonight's game at Oklahoma City. Left-handed pitcher James Russell has been outrighted to Triple-A Iowa, and the I-Cubs have activated right-handed pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. from the disabled list (blister). They take the roster spots of right-handed pitchers Fernando Cruz and P.J. Francescon, who were placed on the 7-Day disabled list and inactive list, respectively.

Russell, 29, did not allow a run in 9.2 Triple-A innings after being assigned to the I-Cubs on April 13. He earned three saves and two wins in relief before having his contract purchased by Chicago on May 5.

The southpaw went 0-2 with a 5.29 ERA (20ER/34.0IP) and 20 strikeouts over 42 appearances out of Chicago's bullpen before being designated for assignment Sept. 1.

Edwards Jr., 23, is 3-1 with a 3.03 ERA (10ER/29.2IP) and two saves in 21 games since joining Iowa on May 29 from Double-A Tennessee. The righty was placed on the disabled list Aug. 18 with a blister on his right hand.

Cruz, 25, made a spot start for Iowa on Wednesday night and allowed 10 earned runs on 10 hits and two walks with two strikeouts in a loss at Oklahoma City in his Triple-A debut.

Francescon, 26, has no record and has not allowed a run in 5.0 innings over two appearances for Iowa this season. He tossed a career-high 4.0 scoreless innings in relief during Iowa's franchise-record 19-inning loss Sept. 1. He joined the I-Cubs Aug. 31 from Double-A Tennessee where he went 4-2 with a 1.69 ERA (10ER/53.1IP), 22 saves and 50 strikeouts in 42 appearances for the Smokies as their closer.

With these moves, Iowa's active roster is at 25 players plus two players on the disabled list and one player on the inactive list. Iowa has now made 211 player transactions this season, a franchise record. The mark broke the previous record of 172 set in 2013. It is the third time in four seasons the I-Cubs have set a transactions record.