Parker was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reports.

Although Parker needed just 27 pitches to record six outs in Tuesday's 16-inning game, he was going to unavailable for at least one day, so the Cubs went ahead and swapped him out with a fresh arm in Chris Rusin. Parker has given up six runs on 10 hits over 9.2 innings with the big club this season, but he'll likely get another opportunity to eat some low-leverage innings out of the Cubs' bullpen before the end of the year.

Cubs optioned RHP Blake Parker to Triple-A Iowa.

Parker made two scoreless appearances since being recalled on July 26. The right-hander was sent down for another bullpen arm after Tuesday's 16-inning game.

Cubs recalled RHP Blake Parker from Triple-A Iowa.

He'll take the place of Neil Ramirez in the Cubs bullpen. The Cubs needed another arm that was capable of working multiple innings, and Parker fits the bill. He owns a 9.53 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and 3/2 K/BB ratio over his 5 2/3 innings with the club this season.

Cubs optioned RHP Blake Parker to Triple-A Iowa.

Parker has allowed six runs over 5 2/3 relief innings for the Cubbies this season. He's being replaced in the bullpen by Zach Rosscup.

Cubs recalled RHP Blake Parker from Triple-A Iowa.

Parker has allowed three earned runs in 2 2/3 innings this season with the big club. He'll be used in the middle innings.

Cubs optioned RHP Blake Parker to Triple-A Iowa.

Parker has allowed three earned runs in 2 2/3 innings this season with the big-league club. The Cubs activated Wesley Wright from paternity leave in a related move.

Cubs recalled RHP Blake Parker from Triple-A Iowa.

Parker has been knocked around in his brief time with the big club this season but boasts a 0.77 ERA and 15/0 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 relief innings at Iowa. He could only be up for a couple days while Wesley Wright is on paternity leave.

Cubs optioned RHP Blake Parker to Triple-A Iowa.

Parker surrendered five hits and three earned runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief during his 11-day stay with the Cubs. He should get another shot later this year.

Cubs recalled RHP Blake Parker from Triple-A Iowa.

He's taking Chris Rusin's spot in the bullpen. Parker failed to earn an Opening Day 'pen job even after posting a 2.72 ERA and 55/15 K/BB ratio over 46 1/3 frames for the Cubs last season. He'll work in middle relief.

Cubs optioned RHP Blake Parker to Triple-A Iowa.

The 28-year-old right-hander was terrific in a bullpen role for the Cubs in 2013, so this move comes as a mild surprise. He struggled in Cactus League play though, posting a 9.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP and 3/6 K/BB ratio in his six innings of work. He'll get an opportunity with the Cubs at some point this season.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum indicated Saturday that Blake Parker could be the favorite to take over at closer if Kevin Gregg is traded.

"(He would be) tough to replace," Sveum said of Gregg. "He has done a great job. Maybe you could look at (Blake) Parker because he has done it in Triple-A if that comes to (pass). But obviously you have to use somebody, so it'll be a wait-and-see situation." Gregg will almost surely be dealt, so those in deep leagues should consider stashing Parker now. The 28-year-old holds a 2.19 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 15/5 K/BB ratio over 12 1/3 innings since being called up at the beginning of June. Sveum could also consider using James Russell if he decides to play the matchups.

Cubs purchased the contract of RHP Blake Parker from Triple-A Iowa.

Parker has spent all season at the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, where he's posted a 2.04 ERA in 16 games. The 27-year-old will serve as a middle reliever with Rafael Dolis on the disabled list.

Cubs re-signed RHP Blake Parker to a minor league contract.

Parker appeared in seven games with the Cubs and finished the season on the 60-day disabled list. The 27-year-old will need to prove he's fully healthy if he hopes to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster in spring training.

Cubs sent RHP Blake Parker outright to Triple-A Iowa.

The 27-year old right-hander posted a 6.00 ERA, 2.50 WHIP and 6/5 K/BB ratio over six innings of work with the Cubs during the season before being placed on the DL with a bone contusion in his right elbow.

Cubs placed RHP Blake Parker on the 60-day disabled list with a bone contusion in his right elbow.

It's the same injury that landed him on the disabled list earlier this year. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the newly-claimed Jason Berken.

Cubs activated RHP Blake Parker from the 60-day disabled list.

Parker had a 5.06 ERA and 13/1 K/BB ratio over 10 2/3 innings during his rehab stint with Triple-A Iowa. The 27-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since early June with a stress reaction in his elbow.

Blake Parker returned to action on Sunday May 27.

Blake Parker has a tight right hamstring and will be re-evaluated Sunday.

Parker was pulled during Saturday's game with the injury. Consider him day-to-day for now.

The Cubs are calling up reliever Blake Parker.

It's not clear what the corresponding roster move will be. Parker has posted a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings this year at Triple-A and should do well in middle relief.

Cubs sent RHP Blake Parker outright to Triple-A Iowa.

The 25-year-old Parker registered a 2.65 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 17 innings this season at Double-A but struggled when bumped to the next level. He'll probably open 2011 as a member of the Iowa Cubs' bullpen.