Cubs recall righty reliever Schlitter from Triple-A Iowa

CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Cubs bolstered their depleted bullpen before Saturday's game against Pittsburgh, recalling right-hander Brian Schlitter from Triple-A Iowa.

Outfielder Matt Szczur was sent down one day after he had a bizarre, game-ending hit in an 11-10 victory when Pirates right fielder Gregory Polanco slipped and fell while trying to track down his fly ball in the 12th inning. The move left only 11 position players on Chicago's roster.

''We have an off-day coming up on Monday. There's a lot of different possibilities,'' manager Joe Maddon said. ''But just for today, we wanted to do this just for the day and then we'll figure out tomorrow.''

The Cubs used seven relievers in the series opener against Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old Schlitter is 0-2 with a 9.53 ERA in seven appearances with the Cubs this season.

''Guy gets the ball down, we're in good shape. Period,'' Maddon said of Schlitter. ''He's a bowling-ball thrower. He should be on the PBA.''

Szczur, 25, hit .172 (5 for 29) with five RBIs in 18 games with the Cubs.