Cubs activate Edward Cabrera from IL, move him to bullpen

CHICAGO -- The Cubs reinstated Edward Cabrera from the 15-day injured list Saturday, with manager Craig Counsell moving the right-hander to the bullpen for now.

In a related move, the Cubs placed righty Trent Thornton on the 15-day IL with a left ankle sprain.

Cabrera went on the injured list Aug. 17 with a right middle finger blister -- a condition that has vexed him -- then made three rehab appearances with Triple-A Iowa.

The 28-year-old Cabrera, acquired from theMiami Marlinsin an offseason trade, is 5-5 with a 5.68 ERA in 76 innings over 15 games, all starts.

This was Cabrera's third stint on the injured list this season and followed one for a left hamstring/adductor strain suffered June 23 in New York. The righty was hurt against the Mets when he did a split while stretching for a throw as he covered first base, an injury that sidelined Cabrera for nearly two months.

Thornton is 5-5 with three saves and 3.35 ERA in 48 innings over 48 relief appearances.