The Chicago Cubs said Friday that they have optioned infielder Munenori Kawasaki back to Triple-A Iowa.
The move corresponds with the return of elite infielder Javier Baez, who has been on the disabled list with a left thumb injury. Kawasaki left the team to join Iowa ahead of Friday's game against the Colorado Rockies.
He traveled to Texas to start in Iowa's game against the Round Rock Express and went 1-for-4 with three RBIs, though the Iowa Cubs lost 8-6.
Kawasaki, who spent three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays after his debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2012, joined the Cubs on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring camp. He batted .367 with a .446 on-base percentage in 24 spring training games for the club.
The 34-year-old was called up from Iowa as an injury replacement on April 8. During his first stint in the majors this season, he went 1-for-2 with one stolen base in two games.