Cubs Recall Right-Handed Pitcher Kevin Hart

By the Chicago Cubs
Posted Thursday, September 4, 2008

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today recalled right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart from Triple-A Iowa.

The 25-year-old Hart went 4-2 with a 2.81 ERA (18 ER/57.2 IP) in 26 appearances, 10 starts, with Iowa this season. Since returning to Iowa from the majors on July 23, Hart pitched exclusively in relief, going 2-1 with five saves and a 1.56 ERA (3 ER/17.1 IP) in 16 relief outings, limiting opponents to a .140 (8-for-57) batting average. He struck out 15 and walked only five batters in 17.1 relief innings and did not allow a run in his final eight appearances, covering 7.2 innings.

Hart joins the Cubs for his fourth stint in the big leagues this season. He is 2-1 with a 7.91 ERA (17 ER/19.1 IP) in 14 relief appearances thus far in 2008. A member of Chicago ’s Opening Day roster, Hart collected his first two big league wins, April 5 vs. Houston and April 9 at Pittsburgh , before he was optioned to Iowa May 1. He returned to the Cubs from June 3-12 and July 11-23.

Last year, Hart joined the Cubs for the first time on September 4 and posted a 0.82 ERA (1 ER/11.0 IP) in eight September relief appearances to earn a spot on Chicago ’s post-season roster.