Tommy La Stella decides to accept demotion, heading to Double A

Chicago Cubs infielder Tommy La Stella has accepted his demotion and will report to Double-A Tennessee after initially balking at being sent down.

La Stella had been placed on the inactive list a week ago as he contemplated retirement. He had been optioned to Triple-A Iowa on July 29 but said the Cubs are the only team he wants to play for.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon said on his radio show on WSCR-AM 670 Wednesday that La Stella would be returning to the organization.

The Cubs made another move on Wednesday as well, placing reliever Joe Smith on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain. He had been acquired from the Angels at the trade deadline but has struggled. He has a 7.36 ERA and has allowed three homers in only 3 2/3 innings with the Cubs.

La Stella, 27, went home to New Jersey instead of reporting to Iowa after being optioned. A valuable role player, he was caught in a numbers game but was likely to return. He was batting .295 in 51 games for the Cubs.

La Stella stressed there is no animosity with the Cubs and that his decision was just what he felt was best for himself.

"It's a reflection of where I am in my life and my career," La Stella said. "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."

La Stella even contemplated retirement last offseason but returned to the Cubs because he wanted to be with his teammates who have backed him.

Information from ESPN's Jesse Rogers was used in this report.