Carlos Marmol’s volatile run with the Chicago Cubs is likely over. The former All-Star with 117 career saves was designated for assignment Tuesday.
Marmol, 30, went 2-4 with two saves and a 5.86 earned-run average in 31 relief appearances this season. He struck out 32 and walked 21 batters in 27 2/3 innings pitched.
The move was expected after the Cubs said there was “no urgency” to get Marmol back on the mound after his June 16 implosion in a rare save opportunity. He gave up four runs and recorded just one out as the Cubs fell to the Mets, 4-3. Marmol was used in a closing situation because regular closer Kevin Gregg had pitched four straight days, but Marmol needed just 19 pitches to give up two homers — including Kirk Nieuwenhuis’ game-winning three-run blast — and blow the three-run lead. The save opportunity was Marmol’s first since April 25.
Outfielder Brian Bogusevic was recalled from Triple-A Iowa and joined the team in Milwaukee for the start of a three-game series. A converted pitcher drafted in the first round of the 2005 draft, Bogusevic was batting .319 (83-for-260) with 14 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 32 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 78 games at Iowa this season.