Alzolay was optioned to Low-A South Bend on Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay has already pitched 81.2 innings between the majors and minors this season after tossing just 39.2 frames last year, so it's no surprise to see the Cubs managing his workload. Across four appearances with the big club this season, the 24-year-old owns a 7.30 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 13:9 K:BB in 12.1 innings. James Norwood was summoned from the minors in a corresponding move.

The Cubs recalled Alzolay from Triple-A Iowa ahead of Monday's game against the Mariners, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com, the Cubs intend to use Alzolay as a long man out of the bullpen in September, as the team doesn't have an opening in the rotation with Yu Darvish (forearm) on track to make his next start Saturday in Milwaukee. Alzolay missed some time at the tail end of July due to a biceps issue, but he looked sharp during his six appearances with Iowa in August, posting a 3.32 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB across 21.2 innings.

Alzolay (biceps) was activated off the minor-league injured list by Triple-A Iowa and will start Friday, Iowa Cubs broadcaster Alex Cohen reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay landed on the injured list with right biceps inflammation in mid-July but is good to return to the mound after a couple weeks on the shelf. The 24-year-old has a 4.95 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 60:20 K:BB over 43.2 innings for Iowa this season.

Alzolay was placed on the 7-day injured list Friday with right biceps inflammation, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay was bothered by the issue during Wednesday's start, and the Cubs have elected to exercise caution by placing him on the shelf. He'll be eligible to return beginning July 26.

Alzolay (bicep) has been dealing with inflammation in his right bicep, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay was forced to leave his start Wednesday after just 3.2 innings of work. Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports that Alzolay claims his arm just "didn't feel right." The young right-hander will need some extra rest, but could see a return to the mound soon.

Alzolay exited his start with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday due to "slight biceps soreness," Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay allowed five runs prior to exiting in the bottom of the fourth inning with the injury. While the issue doesn't appear to be overly serious, the Cubs will likely proceed cautiously with the 24-year-old. It remains to be seen whether Alzolay will be forced to miss a start due to the injury.

Alzolay was removed from Wednesday's start for Triple-A Iowa with an apparent injury, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay allowed five runs -- including two homers -- before leaving the game during the bottom of the fourth inning. The 24-year-old exited the field accompanied by the athletic trainer and the specifics of the issue remain unclear.

Alzolay was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay was lit up in Monday's series opener against the Pirates, allowing seven runs on 10 hits before getting yanked with two outs in the third inning, so this move wasn't unexpected, especially given the return of Kyle Hendricks from the injured list. Alzolay posted a 7.15 ERA and struck out 12 over 11.1 frames in three appearances with Chicago.

Alzolay (1-1) allowed seven runs on 10 hits and a walk across 2.2 innings to take the loss Monday against the Pirates. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay may have nightmares of Josh Bell, as the Pittsburgh slugger tagged him for a three-run home run in the first inning, then launched a two-run bomb off of him in the second. The 24-year-old righty was off to a nice start with a 2.08 ERA through his first 8.2 innings of work, but that figure ballooned to 7.15 Monday. With Cole Hamels (oblique) on the IL, Alzolay could stick around as the Cubs' No. 5 starter, but they could also turn to Tyler Chatwood on an interim basis, sending Alzolay to the bullpen or, more likely, Triple-A.

Alzolay is slated to start Monday's game against the Pirates, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay appears set to keep his spot in the rotation over Tyler Chatwood after turning in back-to-back strong outings. While his workload has been restricted in both appearances (one start), Alzolay has given the Cubs 8.2 quality innings, yielding only two runs and striking out nine. He'll likely have his pitch count bumped up Monday.