Atkins Called Up, Johnson Broken Foot, Rumors, and More

Atkins Called Up
Today the Cubs recalled RHP Mitch Atkins from AAA to add a fresh arm in the spent bullpen. Jeff Stevens, who pitched very well in his first stint in the big leagues, was sent to AAA to make room for Atkins on the roster. Mitch was the 2008 Cubs Minor League Player of the Year.

Johnson Leaves Game
Reed Johnson was lifted from today's game after 3 innings because of a bruised left foot. Reed hit a foul ball off his foot to cause the injury in the Cubs 12-0 win. The latest is not good, an X-ray has revealed a left foot fracture, and he could miss at least a month. Expect a roster move tomorrow, most likely Sam Fuld will join the Cubs from Iowa.

Hill catches 19 in a row
Cubs catcher Koyie Hill started his 19th straight game behind the plate today, the longest stretch since Damon Derryhill caught 25 in a row in 1989. Hill doesn't think catching that many in a row is a big deal, "Randy Hundley started 161," he said.

Ryan's Outing
Former Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan made his Iowa Cubs debut last night and pitched 1 inning in relief. His fastball registered around 87 MPH.

Fotenot Works on Bunting
Cubs coach Ivan DeJesus worked with second baseman Mike Fontenot on bunting yesterday after his costly failed bunt attempt on Monday.

Kosuke's odd Single
Last night outfielder Kosuke Fukudome reached on an infield single in the 5th that caught in Jeff Fulchino's jersey. Also, 2 Astros' relief pitchers picked up their first career hits. It was an odd 11-6 loss to bring the Cubs winning streak to a screeching halt. However, the Cubs came back with an easy win today.

Cubs Like Their Team
Gordon Wittenmyer talked to Kevin Gregg, Ryan Theriot, and a few other Cubs, and it seem the Cubs like the mix they have. Jim Hendry is still saying, "I have no idea if we'll do anything by Friday. Just 2 days left...

Clement and Cedeno to the Pirates
Cubs short stop Ronny Cedeno will return to the NL Central. Today he was traded from the Mariners to the Pirates in exchange for Jack Wilson and Ian Snell. Their was a rumor yesterday that Jeff Clement could be headed for the Cubs, but instead he was traded to the Pirates in this deal.

Cubs Still interested in Teahen?
The Cubs could still be interested in adding Mark Teahen from the Royals. We've been hearing Teahen to the Cubs rumors since last off season. Hot Stove Cubbies speculates about a 3 team trade involving the Royals, Pirates, and Cubs.

LeMahieu Moving Up
After only a few game with the Mesa Cubs, 2009 Cubs second round pick D.J. LeMahieu impressed the team enough to get promoted to Class-A Peoria. I will get the chance to see D.J. and the rest of the Chiefs play this weekend, I'll have a post for you about that sometime next week!

Will the next 46.5 hours be busy for the Cubs as we creep up to Friday's deadline? I'll keep you posted!