Cubs roster move: Tim Collins recalled, Alec Mills to Iowa

With the Cubs expected to go with a four-man rotation through the current road trip due to off days Thursday and Monday, Alec Mills, who made two starts over the last week, was optioned to Triple-A Iowa, per a press release from the team, and lefthanded reliever Tim Collins was recalled and added back to the 40-man roster.

Collins will be in his fourth stint with the Cubs this year. He posted a 3.52 ERA in eight relief outings covering 7⅔ innings during his first three stints from April 10-25, May 25-26 and June 13-19. He has a 4.67 ERA in 28 relief outings with Triple-A Iowa this season, limiting opponents to a .202 batting average, and he has allowed only four hits to lefthanded batters (4-for-37, .108). That’s useful for this series as the Giants have quite a few lefthanded hitters.

Cole Hamels, who is making a rehab start for Iowa tonight, is expected to join the rotation soon, possibly even as soon as Sunday in Milwaukee.

The Cubs will likely make another roster move Wednesday, as Willson Contreras is expected to be activated from the injured list to play in Wednesday’s game. At that point, since the team is expected to keep three catchers, it’s likely decision time for Daniel Descalso.

With the addition of Collins, the Cubs’ 40-man roster stands at 40 players. Tonight’s game preview will post at 6:45 p.m. CT.