24 Alec Mills RP

Mills was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Mills didn't appear in a game during his brief time with the big club. David Bote was activated from the paternity list in a corresponding move. Mills will continue to provide pitching pitching depth for Chicago.

Mills was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Mills could give the Cubs length behind Tyler Chatwood, who is scheduled for a spot start against the Diamondbacks. Randy Rosario was optioned to Iowa in a corresponding move.

Mills (back) was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Mills was always a long shot to break camp with the team, and a nagging back injury certainly didn't help. He's scheduled to pitch Saturday against the Rockies, so he'll have a good shot to be ready to go at the start of the Triple-A season.

Mills (back) is scheduled to pitch in Saturday's spring game against the Rockies, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Mills has been sidelined for almost two weeks with back stiffness but looks as though he will make his return Saturday. The 27-year-old seemed to be ticketed for Triple-A to begin the season, but given the injuries to the Cubs' bullpen he still appears to be in the mix for a roster spot.

Mills (back) completed a bullpen session Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Mills was scratched from last Saturday's start due to back stiffness so his resumption of mound work is a significant step towards his return. The 27-year-old has no official timetable for his return but could seemingly re-enter game action relatively soon.