Cubs notebook: Reliever Tony Barnette activated from injured list; tempers flare in Mets’ clubhouse

The move marked the end of a long wait for Barnette, who has been sidelined by shoulder inflammation.

Tony Barnette provided a simple description when asked about his expected role with the Cubs.

“I’ll be pitching,” Barnette deadpanned.

Fair enough.

These days, the Cubs’ bullpen can use all the help it can get, regardless of Barnette’s specific fit within the group.

The Cubs activated the veteran right-hander from the 60-day injured list Sunday and optioned fellow right-hander Rowan Wick to Class AAA Iowa. The move marked the end of a long wait for Barnette, who signed a one-year deal with a club option for 2020 during the offseason but has been sidelined by shoulder inflammation.

The 35-year-old Barnette went 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA in 22 appearances with the Texas Rangers in 2018. He walked five and struck out 26 in 26 1/3 innings.

In 125 career games, Barnette is 11-4 with a 3.50 ERA.

“It’s not like he can’t get out a lefty, but he’s been really good against right-handers,” Maddon said. “He’s a strike thrower. He attacks the zone. He’s kind of a fearless guy.”

Barnette said it was an easy decision to sign with the Cubs.

“Look at the guys in this room, the guys that have been here and the guys that are here now,” he said. “For someone to offer you that chance to be a part of this group, a World Series champion-caliber team, it’s exciting to be a part of it.”

The opportunity to pitch at Wrigley Field also stood out.

“It’s a great stadium, a great fan atmosphere,” Barnette said. “It’s the best in baseball, from what I’ve seen.”

Scouting report

Barnette was bullpen mates with Craig Kimbrel for the past week at Iowa.

Any insights?

“He throws hard,” Barnette said with a grin.

Kimbrel is set to receive two days off Sunday and Monday after pitching in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday. He will make at least one more relief appearance at Iowa before the Cubs determine whether to bring him up.

“Tuesday is the next one,” Maddon said. “And then (we will) talk afterwards.”

Wow moment

Cole Hamels helped his cause in Sunday’s 5-3 win over the Mets with an RBI single in the second.

The pitcher entered the game with an .077 batting average before promptly knocking a 98 mph fastball past reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom.

“It’s more shocking than anything,” Hamels said. “You’re just trying to put it in play.”

Tempers flare

As the Cubs enjoyed Sunday’s comeback victory, the visitors’ clubhouse reportedly simmered with drama.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway unleashed a string of expletives at Newsday reporter Tim Healey and asked the team’s media relations staff to remove him from the clubhouse, Yahoo Sports reported.

Mets pitcher Jason Vargas then threatened to knock out Healey and needed to be restrained by teammates as he charged toward the reporter, according to the Yahoo report.

The tension reportedly started after Healey said, “See you tomorrow, Mickey,” as Callaway walked past. The Mets have been on edge for much of the season, with Callaway rumored to be on the hot seat.