Cubs activate P Barnette from 60-day IL

The Chicago Cubs activated right-hander Tony Barnette from the 60-day injured list and optioned right-hander Rowan Wick to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday. Barnette, 35, has been on the injured list all season with right shoulder tightness after signing a free-agent deal with the Cubs during the offseason. He went 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA in 22 relief appearances with the Texas Rangers last season.

In 125 career appearances, Barnette is 11-4 with a 3.50 ERA. He has 132 strikeouts in 144 innings. In three appearances with the Cubs, the 26-year-old Wick gave up one earned run in 3 2/3 innings. The Cubs' bullpen likely will receive a boost in the next week with the expected arrival of Craig Kimbrel, who recently joined the team as a free agent. Kimbrel has been pitching in Triple-A Iowa as he builds his arm strength and stamina.