Cubs option Adrian Sampson to trim roster to 13-pitcher limit, recall Nelson Velazquez

Cubs outfielder Nelson Velázquez beats the throw to Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Ethan Small during both players’ MLB debuts last month. Velázquez recorded hits in each of his first to MLB games. (AP Photos)

PITTSBURGH — The Cubs made good use of the extra roster flexibility Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association granted teams at the start of the season. It helped them weather a spike of injuries, which has hit their rotation especially hard lately.

On Monday, however, the 13-pitcher roster limit went into effect. To comply, the Cubs optioned right-hander Adrian Sampson to Triple-A Iowa and recalled outfielder Nelson Velazquez.