Iowa Activates Almora Jr., Murton to DL

DES MOINES - The Iowa Cubs activated outfielder Albert Almora Jr. today after he was optioned from Chicago on July 22. Almora Jr. takes the active roster spot of outfielder Matt Murton, who was placed on the disabled list with a right quad strain. 

Almora Jr. began the season with Iowa and had his contract selected by Chicago on June 7. The 22-year-old made his major league debut the same day in a pinch-hit at-bat in Philadelphia. He started in left field the following day and cracked his first big-league hit with an RBI single in the eighth inning. In 34 games with Chicago, Almora Jr. batted .265 with seven doubles, two homers and nine RBI. 

With Iowa, Almora Jr. hit .318 through 55 games, while tallying 13 doubles, three triples, three homers and 30 RBI. Prior to his promotion, he had hit safely in six of his last seven games with the I-Cubs, compiling a .370 average (10-for-27) over that span. 

Murton, 34, ranked second on Iowa's active roster with a .322 average prior to his move to the disabled list. Through 65 games, he tabbed 11 doubles, one triple, two homers and 31 RBI. This marks Murton's third trip to the DL this season, previously serving stints for turf toe and an oblique strain. 

Iowa and Memphis play the series finale at 7:05 CT tonight at AutoZone Park. Catch the action on AM 940 or at www.iowacubs.com.