Cubs manager Rick Renteria confirmed Friday that Neil Ramirez will serve as the team's closer should a save opportunity arise while Hector Rondon is on paternity leave.

The 25-year-old hurler has been very impressive in his first 13 appearances for the Cubs, allowing just one run (0.77 ERA) while posting a 0.86 WHIP and 19/4 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings. Those desperate for saves in daily formats could take the gamble that he sees an opportunity in the next day or two.

Cubs recalled RHP Neil Ramirez from Triple-A Iowa.

Ramirez was sporting a 7.71 ERA in seven innings this season at the Triple-A level, but the Cubs believe in his stuff and will use him in middle relief to help their overworked bullpen. The righty is making his MLB debut.

Cubs optioned RHP Neil Ramirez to Triple-A Iowa.

Ramirez was part of the Matt Garza trade last season, and he'll start the year in Triple-A. The 24-year-old may make his major league debut later this year.

Cubs claimed RHP Neil Ramirez off waivers from the Rangers.

He heads to Chicago to complete last month's Matt Garza deal, as the Cubs wanted to make sure the righty was healthy after dealing with a biceps strain. Ramirez is a nice secondary piece for the Cubs, as he boasts a 3.84 ERA and 127/42 K/BB ratio over 103 Double-A innings this season. He's been assigned to Double-A Tennessee.

Neil Ramirez has been placed on the disabled list at Double-A Frisco because of a biceps train.

Ramirez is one of the potential players to be named later in the Matt Garza trade, so his health status will be monitored closely by the Cubs. The 24-year-old right-hander has a cool 3.68 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 117/40 K/BB ratio in 95 1/3 innings this season at Double-A.

The Cubs could choose Neil Ramirez as the player to be named later in the Matt Garza trade.

The Cubs reportedly had an injury concern with Ramirez, which is why he wasn't included in the deal. They could still wind up getting him, though, or could choose two other pitchers instead. Ramirez boasts a 3.68 ERA and 117/40 K/BB ratio over 95 1/3 Double-A innings this season.

The Rangers will start either Neil Ramirez or Ross Wolf in place of the injured Yu Darvish on Thursday in Baltimore.

Ramirez is having a great season at Double-A Frisco, posting a 3.33 ERA and 113/38 K/BB ratio over 92 innings. Wolf was bypassed for Wednesday's start in favor of Josh Lindblom, as the Rangers preferred to keep him in his relief role. Neither pitcher would be much of a streaming option.

Rangers optioned RHP Neil Ramirez to Triple-A Round Rock

Ramirez was never a candidate for the Rangers' Opening Day roster. He'll look to reestablish himself at the Triple-A level after he posted a 7.66 ERA in 15 starts there last season.

Rangers purchased the contract of RHP Neil Ramirez from Triple-A Round Rock.

Ramirez dealt with a bit of a shoulder issue during the season, but still managed to compile a very impressive 3.12 ERA and 119/44 K/BB ratio over 98 innings during stops between High-A Myrtle Beach, Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock. The 22-year-old right-hander might be a tier below Martin Perez, but he remains one of organization's best pitching prospects.

Rangers prospect right-hander Neil Ramirez (shoulder) will be shut down for 7-10 days.

Ramirez was pulled from Friday's start with Triple-A Round Rock with tightness in his shoulder. While he also recently missed some time with arm fatigue, the good news is that no structural damage has been found. The 22-year-old right-hander has raised his stock in prospect circles this season by posting a 3.68 ERA and 85/35 K/BB ratio over his first 17 starts at the Triple-A level.