A source within the Cubs organization told NewsCenter 16 just after midnight on Friday morning that former Irish All-America Jeff Samardzija would join the club later in the day. Shark will take the spot vacated by Kerry Wood who was placed on the 15-day disabled list before Chicago's win over Florida on Thursday.

Now the Cubs have made it official. Shark is expected to be in uniform with the North Siders face the Marlins at 2:20 Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Samardzija, who is from Valparaiso, was 4-1 since being called up to Class AAA Iowa. He made the jump from college to the major leagues in just over one year. He decided to opt out of the 2007 NFL draft and signed with the Cubs. Shark played in the minors but was invited to spring training earlier this year where he pitched well. He began the season at AA Tennessee before moving up to Iowa.

Samardzija was a two-time consensus All-America for the Irish football team and also was a mainstay of the Irish baseball squad. When Samardzija pitched at Frank Eck Stadium there would be standing room only crowds.