DENVER– The Chicago Cubs today reinstated right-handed pitcher Carlos Zambrano from the restricted list and granted right-handed pitcher Bob Howry his unconditional release.

Zambrano made four minor league appearances since being placed on the restricted list June 29, holding the opponent scoreless in the first three (4.0 IP) before allowing three runs in 1.0 inning of work July 27 with Triple-A Iowa at Albuquerque. All told, he struck out five compared to one walk in 5.0 innings pitched in one game with the Rookie League Mesa Cubs and three with Iowa.

The 29-year-old Zambrano is 3-6 with a 5.66 ERA (35 ER/55.2 IP) in 22 games (nine starts) for Chicago this season. He began the campaign in the starting rotation before moving to the bullpen in late April. In 13 relief appearances, he went 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA (6 ER/13.0 IP), holding the opposition scoreless in 10 outings.

In five relief appearances from May 18-29, Zambrano tossed a total of-4.1 scoreless innings, while holding the opponent to a .077 batting average (1-for-13) before moving back into the rotation.

Zambrano last pitched for Chicago June 25, getting the start against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. He allowed four runs in the first inning before leaving the game, and was placed on the suspended list the next day.