With C Geovany Soto possibly headed to the disabled list, the icago Cubs have called up minor league veteran C Blake Lalli and sent down their No. 4 starter Chris Volstad, according to Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago:

Volstad optioned to Iowa. Lalli recalled to fill catcher void.

— Doug Padilla (@ESPNChiCubs) May 18, 2012

Volstad has struggled in the 2012 MLB season. His career-low strikeout rate -- 12.6% -- and his unimproved walk rate have led to a bloated 7.46 ERA through eight starts.

Lalli, meanwhile, has spent the previous four season at the Double-A level, hitting a strong .304/.377/.416 slash with the Cubs affiliate. In the 2012, he has 74 plate appearances for Triple-A Iowa, hitting only .178/.176/.329.

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