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The Cubs are turning to Iowa for reinforcements again and plan to call up right-fielder Matt Murton and right-hander Rocky Cherry Friday.
Murton is hitting .331 at Triple-A Iowa with six home runs and 27 RBIs in 39 games; he has a .407 on-base percentage. He hit .252 with one homer and 8 RBIs in 119 at-bats for the Cubs before being optioned to Iowa June 13. Murton is expected to share playing time in right field with Cliff Floyd, who has had difficulty staying healthy for more than a week at a time.
Lou Piniella said Thursday that the Cubs would probably stand pat at the trading deadline, with Murton's hot hitting at Iowa one reason for the decision.
Cherry is 2-0 with a 5.55 ERA at Iowa. He was put on the disabled list with the Cubs July 1 after suffering a strained right lat in an outing but has regained his arm strength in the last couple of weeks.
No word yet on who the Cubs might drop to add these two to the roster.
