Chicago Cubs Recall Jeff Samardzija

Jeff Samardzija was recalled to the Cubs on Friday, making his MLB debut against the Marlins. (AP Images)

A report on MLB.com states that the Chicago Cubs have called up RHP Jeff Samardzija from Triple-A Iowa. Samardzija will wear No. 29 as he replaces reliever Kerry Wood, who has been placed on the 15-day DL with a blister.

Many will remember Samardzija as a standout wide receiver from the 2006 Notre Dame football team, a favorite target of current Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn. That year, he was selected as one of the three finalists for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, for the nation's top wide receiver. Although initially planning on trying to play both in the NFL and MLB, Samardzija announced after being selected by Chicago in the Major League Draft that he would take his name out of the NFL Draft and play baseball.

Now, he's been called up to the Cubs and made his debut today against the Florida Marlins. In a 3-2 loss, Samardzija threw two innings, striking out two while giving up two hits and an earned run. Get all the rest of this weekend's MLB baseball betting options in the Bodog Sportsbook now!