The Chicago Cubs called up infielder Munenori Kawasaki from Triple-A Iowa as an injury replacement, the club said Friday.
Kawasaki, who signed a minor-league deal with the National League club this season, replaced injured left fielder Kyle Schwarber on the 25-man roster. He joined his teammates in Arizona before Friday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Schwarber tore his left ACL after colliding with fellow outfielder Dexter Fowler during the second inning of their game against the Diamondbacks on Thursday. Fowler made contact with Schwarber's legs.
"It was a surprise," Kawasaki said of the call-up.
"I was a bit nervous but to be able to play on the major league stage — this is happiness," he said.
The 34-year-old is expected to contribute to the team as a utility player, playing multiple positions in infield.
With the Iowa Cubs, he batted .367 with one home run and eight RBIs in 24 preseason games.
Kawasaki joined the Seattle Mariners in 2012 and moved to the Toronto Blue Jays the following year. In 262 major league games, he has a .234 average with one home run, 50 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.
