Cubs demote Samardzija

The Cubs optioned Jeff Samardzija to Triple-A Iowa before Thursday's game and recalled right-handed relief pitcher Justin Berg.

Samardzija allowed seven earned runs and received the loss in his first major league start Wednesday against the Phillies. He is 1-2 with a 7.81 ERA in 17 appearances with the Cubs this season.

Berg, 25, is 6-1 with a 2.33 ERA in 30 relief appearances for Triple-A Iowa. Opponents have hit .208 against him, including .162 by right-handed hitters. The Cubs acquired him from the Yankees in 2005 for reserve outfielder Matt Lawton.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry promised Berg another chance after he never appeared in a game during his stint with the Cubs from July 25-28. Berg had warmed up in the bullpen and was ready to pitch the 14th inning July 27 against Houston, but the Cubs won the game in the bottom of the 13th inning, and Berg was sent down the next day.

-Tom Musick