MILWAUKEE -- The Chicago Cubs designated reliever Chris Flexen for assignment on Tuesday while recalling righty Gavin Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa to take his place on the roster.
Flexen, 31, had a great June but struggled this month, giving up runs in his last five appearances, including two in an 8-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell was asked if the move was a precursor to a trade for a reliever, with the MLB trade deadline Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.
"We made a move to get a fresh pitcher in," Counsell simply stated.