NEW YORK -- The Chicago Cubs have added reliever Henry Rodriguez to their 25-man roster and optioned left-hander Brooks Raley to Triple-A Iowa.

The hard-throwing Rodriguez was available out of the bullpen Friday night for the opener of a three-game series against the New York Mets. Cubs manager Dale Sveum said he planned to use the right-hander in a middle relief role at first and the team hopes to build up his endurance because he may be needed to pitch two innings at a time.

The 26-year-old was obtained Tuesday from Washington for minor league pitcher Ian Dickson after going 0-1 with 4.00 ERA in 17 appearances covering 18 innings this season. He struck out 11 and walked 16.