24 Alec Mills SP

The Cubs recalled Mills from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

The Cubs probably would have preferred to promote Mills along with the first wave of Cubs farmhands that joined the big club Sept. 1, but since he had been optioned to Iowa two days before that, he had to spend eight more days in the minors before he was eligible to return. Now that he's back in the majors, Mills will be ticketed for a relief role after starting in two of his previous three appearances with the Cubs.

Mills is with the Cubs but isn't eligible to return to the active roster until Sunday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Mills will be a September callup but can't be activated until 10 days have passed since he was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. The 26-year-old has allowed five runs in 12.2 innings for the Cubs this season and will likely work in a long-relief role down the stretch.

The Cubs optioned Mills to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Mills' demotion suggests the Cubs will end their short-lived six-man rotation, with Mike Montgomery (shoulder) set to return from 10-day disabled list Thursday and replacing Mills as the team's No. 5 starter. The rookie left-hander made two starts for the big club, giving up five runs on nine hits while striking out 13 over 10.2 innings.

Mills (0-1) took the loss Wednesday against the Mets, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out five.

Mills found himself in a hole early Wednesday, loading up the bases in the first inning and serving up a grand slam to Todd Frazier. He settled in from there, firing four scoreless before exiting with the Cubs down 4-1. The 26-year-old has now allowed five runs over 10.2 innings in two starts for the Cubs this season (4.22 ERA), whiffing an impressive 13 batters in those outings. It's unclear if Mills will be afforded another turn in the rotation with Mike Montgomery (shoulder) set to return Thursday.

Mills is listed as the Cubs' probable starter for Wednesday's game against the Mets, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Mills allowed only one run and struck out eight across 5.2 innings during Friday's spot start. It remains to be seen how long the 26-year-old will stick in the starting rotation with Mike Montgomer (shoulder) still on the disabled list, but he's at least earned himself another opportunity with Friday's performance.