Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Hunter Bigge is being optioned to Triple-A Iowa, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. Bigge made only three major league appearances in his brief first stint at the major league level. He logged two innings with a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 2:3 BB:K ratio. At Triple-A this season, Bigge performed quite well with a 0.77 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, and a 6:19 BB:K ratio across 11 frames. He also tallied six saves. The 26-year-old is a strong candidate to return to the major leagues later this season and could eventually earn a high-leverage role as he gains more experience.
The Chicago Cubs are expected to call up relief prospect Hunter Bigge from Triple-A Iowa. No corresponding move has been announced yet. Bigge has been fantastic out of the bullpen for Iowa, posting a 0.77 ERA and 19 strikeouts over 11 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old is also a perfect 6-for-6 in save opportunities. With current closer Hector Neris hitting a rough patch with a 6.52 ERA in June and all the injuries to Chicago's bullpen with Julian Merryweather (ribs), Mark Leiter Jr. (forearm), and Adbert Alzolay (forearm) sidelined, Bigge could be in play for some save chances. Fantasy managers in NL-Only Leagues and deep-league formats can add Bigge for bullpen help.
