Cubs recall Hart, option Hoffpauir

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today recalled right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart from Triple-A Iowa and optioned infielder Micah Hoffpauir to Iowa.

Hart, 25, begins his second stint with Chicago this season and will be available for tonight’s game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park.

A member of Chicago’s Opening Day roster, Hart went 2-1 with a 5.06 ERA (9 ER/16.0 IP) in 10 relief appearances for the Cubs, walking 10 and striking out 13. Opponents batted .262 off him, including a .222 mark against right-handed hitters. He collected his first two big league wins, April 5 vs. Houston and April 9 at Pittsburgh, before he was optioned to Iowa May 2.

In six starts at the Triple-A level, he has a 1-1 mark with a 3.81 ERA (11 ER/26.0 IP), limiting the opponent to a .221 batting average including a .167 mark against right-handed batters. In 26.0 innings of work, he struck out 33 (11.4 strikeouts per 9.0 IP) while walking nine. In his most recent appearance May 29 vs. Memphis, Hart went a season-high 6.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out nine.

All told, Hart owns a 2-1 record with a 3.33 ERA (10 ER/27.0 IP) in 18 career relief appearances for Chicago since making his major league debut September of last season.

Hoffpauir, 28, batted .421 (8-for-19) with three doubles and a RBI in 11 games for the Cubs since making his major league debut after he was selected from Iowa May 18. He began his season with Iowa, batting .324 (11-for-34) with three home runs, 12 RBI and a .676 slugging percentage in nine games after missing the first month with a strained left oblique.