Cubs Activate LHP Sean Newcomb from IL, Option RHP Michael Rucker

The Cubs have activated left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-handed pitcher Michael Rucker to Triple-A Iowa. Newcomb, who celebrates his 29th birthday Sunday, landed on the 15-day injured list May 11 with a left ankle sprain.

He made five injury rehabilitation appearances with Iowa, most recently throwing a scoreless inning June 9 at Toledo. He has only pitched three times for the Cubs since being acquired on April 21 of this season for right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez and cash considerations, pitching to an 8.10 ERA with one walk and three strikeouts.

The 6-foot-5 Newcomb is 24-23 with 18 holds, two saves, and a 4.28 ERA in 147 major league games spanning six seasons with the Braves (2017-22) and the Cubs. He has struck out 393 batters with 205 walks allowed.

Rucker, 28, is 0-1 with one hold and a 5.49 ERA in 12 relief appearances for Chicago this season.