The Chicago Cubs have placed right-hander Matt Garza on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 22, with a right elbow stress reaction, reports Carrie Muskat of MLB.com:

#Cubs expected to put Matt Garza on DL to open spot on 25-man roster for LHP Brooks Raley @brooksraley (40-man roster will then be at 40)

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) August 7, 2012

To replace Garza on their roster, the Cubs called up left-hander Brooks Raley from Triple-A.

Chicago had been shopping Garza as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approached, but injury issues resulted in the Cubs retaining their starter. The club has since said that it expects Garza to be part of its 2013 rotation, though Chicago could still look to move the 28-year-old in a mid-season deal.

With Garza’s injury, plus the trades of fellow starters Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm, the Cubs have had to look to the minors for rotation depth.

Raley, 24, started the season with Chicago’s Double-A affiliate, making eight starts. Following a promotion, the southpaw also logged fourteen starts with their Triple-A club. Over his time in the minors this season, he’s maintained an ERA of 3.58 with 6.8 SO/9 and 2.8 BB/9.

Raley made his major league debut yesterday, facing off against the San Diego Padres. He struggled, surrendering seven runs on eight hits and three walks with four strikeouts. Still, the Cubs have said they expect Raley to remain in their starting rotation.

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When do you expect the Cubs to field a competitive club?

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