Kyle Ryan Activated from Bereavement List, Dillon Maples Optioned to Iowa

The Cubs have activated Kyle Ryan from the bereavement list, the team announced in advance of Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia. Dillon Maples was actually optioned back to Iowa following Sunday’s game, but the move was made so quietly that no one really noticed until he entered the I-Cubs game Tuesday afternoon.

Ryan, who has been an unexpected stalwart in the bullpen, has been off the active roster since Friday following the passing of his grandmother. His 52 appearances rank second on the team (Steve Cishek, 54) and he’s currently 28th in MLB in that category.

Along with Rowan Wick, Ryan is part of the glue holding the ‘pen together in the face of several injuries to more seasoned arms. Expect the lefty to get a little run against the Phillies’ big left-handed bats over the next few days.

Maples pitched two scoreless, hitless frames with three strikeouts and no walks, just in case you were wondering.