Cubs roster move: Eddie Butler heads to DL, Luke Farrell promoted from Iowa

The Cubs today announced that right-handed pitcher Eddie Butler has been placed on the ten-day disabled list with a right groin strain. Taking Butler’s spot on the roster is right-hander Luke Farrell, who has been recalled from Iowa.

Butler had gotten off to a good start for the Cubs this spring, with a strong seven-inning relief appearance with the Marlins (that he eventually lost in the 17th inning) and three good relief appearances. However, he’s been poor in his past two outings, including yesterday when faced four batters and failed to retire any of them, allowing two singles and issuing two walks which eventually led to three runs. Now we have a possible reason for Butler’s recent run of poor play. Butler’s record on the season is 0-1 with a 4.30 ERA.

Farrell was scheduled to start last night’s game in Iowa against Nashville, but he was a last-minute scratch so the team had to know that something was wrong with Butler right after the game in Chicago. He has made two starts for Iowa this year: one very good (no runs over 5.2 innings) and one very bad (seven runs over five innings). He’s 0-1 with a 5.91 ERA so far this year.

Farrell is the son of former Blue Jays and Red Sox manager John Farrell.

And last September when he was with the Reds, he was part of the group of Reds rookies asked to make a Starbucks run, in uniform, by his veteran teammates:

David Sameshima

Welcome to the Cubs, Luke. I’m guessing your Starbucks runs from now on will be in street clothes.