The Cubs now have their starter for Game 2 of the September 15 doubleheader against St. Louis. And if they get into a one-game playoff at the end of the year. Here is the press release. Having Trachsel back eight years after he last pitched in a Cubs uniform is a little weird. For what it is worth, he posted a 2.37 ERA in 6 starts in August.

Billy Petrick has to be a bit demoralized right now. A day after throwing two shutout innings to hold the five-run leading Milwaukee Brewers at bay, and thus playing a big role in the Cubs' exciting comeback win, the Cubs sent Petrick to Iowa in favor of a reliever with a 6.75 ERA at Iowa, Rocky Cherry. No reported explanation from the team yet, but it is likely this has to do with the Cubs' continued inability to get anything of value for Jacque Jones in a trade and get back up to twelve relievers. Petrick having thrown two innings yesterday, and the bullpen having thrown six overall, the Cubs likely felt they needed another fresh reliever.

Mike Fontenot deserved his call-up. It took some minor injuries to Derrek Lee and Mark DeRosa to make it happen, though. And for that reason, it might not be any longer than his two brief call-ups in 2005.

As noted by Arizona Phil at The Cub Reporter here and here, ahead of December Rule 5 draft, the Cubs have added relief pitchers Clay Rapada and Rocky Cherry to the 40-man roster, while dropping starting pitcher Ryan O'Malley and outfielder Miguel Negron.

Previous releated posts:
The Injuries Pile On: Izturis to DL; O'Malley Exits in 5th (8/22/2006)
Ryan O'Malley Gets His Shot (8/16/2006)
Cubs Add Miguel Negron to 40-Man Roster (6/13/2006)