Cubs recall INF Tommy La Stella after reluctant stint in minors

CHICAGO -- The Cubs recalled infielder Tommy La Stella from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday weeks after La Stella failed to report to the minors after being sent down at the end of July.

La Stella, 27, told ESPN he was contemplating retirement if he couldn't play for the Cubs' major league team, though he stressed he wasn't upset with management, as he was simply caught in a number's game.

"It's a reflection of where I am in my life and my career," La Stella said at the time. "I told them, 'I know you have a business decision to make.' I completely understand where they're coming from. I don't fault them for making that choice one bit. They're doing what's in the best interest of the team. I understand that 100 percent."

After going home to New Jersey, the team placed him on the inactive list. But after about two weeks, La Stella decided to report to Double-A Tennessee then eventually to Iowa before being recalled on Wednesday.

He's in the starting lineup batting seventh and playing second base as the Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pitcher Spencer Patton was sent down to make room for La Stella, who was hitting .295 with a .388 on-base percentage before his demotion.