The move is now official. Flexen has been summoned to join Chicago’s relief mix ahead of Wednesday’s showdown against the division-rival Pirates. The 30-year-old journeyman has an extensive track record of mediocre results at the highest level, but he’s recorded a strong 1.16 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 21/8 K/BB ratio across 23 1/3 innings (five starts) this season in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. He’s a name to watch in deeper mixed leagues over the next few weeks.

The Cubs signed Flexen in the off-season and changed his arm slot. The results have been great, with Flexen registering a 1.16 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 21:8 K:BB ratio in 23 1/3 innings at Triple-A. There’s been no announcement yet about his role, but Shota Imanaga left last night’s game with leg cramps, and Ben Brown got hit hard in his last start and could be destined for the bullpen.

The veteran right-hander has now made three starts for Triple-A Iowa, allowing two runs (one earned) on 15 hits in 16 1/3 innings while striking out 12 and walking six. Flexen has struggled the last two seasons in the big leagues, but with Justin Steele being lost for the season due to injury, Flexen could emerge as an option in the Cubs’ rotation in the near future.

Flexen and Bickford were added with an outside shot of helping the Cubs’ bullpen, but neither pitched well enough in the Cactus League to make the majors. Flexen could opt-out and look elsewhere, but his market is likely to be limited.