ProductionNinja.com

Murton to be called up; Patterson likely out

Matt Murton will get another chance to prove he’s a major-league player this week when the Cubs recall him from Triple-A Iowa before Tuesday’s game at Tampa Bay.

Manager Lou Piniella said Saturday the Cubs have lacked a corner outfielder and another right-handed hitter since Alfonso Soriano went on the disabled list last week. Murton fills the bill, and major-league sources said he received word on Sunday he’d be called up.

Murton, a .296 career hitter in the majors in 830 at-bats, was batting .298 at Iowa with one home run and 15 RBIs since being demoted from the Cubs in April. After getting his average into the .360s in late May, Murton has slumped of late, hitting .143 in 49 at-bats in June with no homers and three RBIs.

Pretty soon both Patterson boys are going to hate the Cubs organization. It’s good to see Murton back with the big club. He’ll probably only play against lefties, but at least it’s something. Soriano’s injury makes holding onto Murton a very smart move for the club.

I have to say that this injury really proves that Soriano may have been a big PR boost for the Cubs, but he doesn’t seem to be worth anywhere near as much money as he’s getting… since the Cubs don’t seem to have broken their stride at all since he broke his hand. Here’s hoping that continues.