Cubs activate Soriano, designate Jackson for assignment

ATLANTA -- The Chicago Cubs will call up recently signed free agent reliever Rafael Soriano while designating pitcher Edwin Jackson for assignment, the team announced after their 4-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday evening.

Jackson, 31, was 16-34 in 2-plus years with the Cubs after signing a 4-year, $52 million contract before the 2013 season. He lost his starting job late last year and pitched sparingly out of the bullpen this season.

"I wasn't really expecting it but at this point in my career it's hard for me to be surprised by anything that happens," Jackson said Sunday. "It sucks but it's the business part of the game." Soriano, 35, was signed last month and has been pitching at Triple-A Iowa the past few days after a disastrous second half with the Washington Nationals last season. He's 22-28 with a career 2.85 ERA with 207 saves in 13 years in the league. The Cubs will be his sixth team.

Both Soriano and Jackson played for Cubs manager Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay.

"I want it to be known what a professional athlete and person Edwin is," Maddon said. "The word class is thrown out there way too readily, too easily. I really believe it applies to him."

Jackson was popular with teammates -- if not fans. Some took to social media to say goodbye.

Sunday's winner, Jake Arrieta, called Jackson one of the best "human beings" he's ever been around.

"Hopefully throughout my time here I left some positive influences on some of the guys," Jackson said. "Unfortunately, things didn't turn out how I planned here."

The Cubs will have 10 days to trade, waive or release Jackson while Soriano will join the team in Cincinnati on Monday where they open a four-game series. Maddon didn't immediately define his role as Jason Motte has been the closer since Hector Rondon was removed from that role earlier this season. The Cubs are 49-41 holding the second wild card spot in the National League.