Cubs demote Hart

Cubs pitcher Kevin Hart has had some tough luck in the past couple of days.

Hart, 26, was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday to clear space for an extra relief pitcher for the Cubs weekend series against the Cardinals. The team will make a corresponding roster move before Friday's game and could call up right-handed relief pitcher Jeff Stevens, who was acquired from Cleveland in the trade for Mark DeRosa.

In his first career major league start on Wednesday, Hart limited the Braves to one run in five innings but received the loss. He pitched in and out of trouble, allowing four hits and walking five batters before quelling several scoring threats.

The Cubs have carried six relief pitchers for the past week and want to add bullpen depth for the important series against St. Louis before the All-Star break. Stevens, 25, is 0-3 with a 2.18 ERA in 30 relief appearances at Triple-A Iowa this season.

The Cubs also reinstated left-handed reliever Jason Waddell from the 15-day disabled list Thursday and optioned him to Iowa. He was 0-0 with a 5.40 ERA in three relief appearances for the Cubs this season.

-Tom Musick