>> Epstein Says Cubs' "Clearly Better Than This"

Theo Epstein expected some rough stretches for the Chicago Cubs. He didn't envision this.

With 12 straight losses entering Monday's game against San Diego, the Cubs were on 1 of the longest skids in franchise history and tied with Minnesota for the worst record in the majors.

Epstein says he doesn't think "this is indicative of the type of team we are" and that the Cubs are "clearly better than this."

Only seven times in their history had the Cubs dropped 12 or more in a row. They entered Monday's game on their worst losing streak since they opened with 14 losses in 1997.

>>Marmol Activated

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Cubs have activated pitcher Carlos Marmol from the 15-day disabled list and optioned pitcher Rafael Dolis to Triple-A Iowa.  Marmol was sent to the DL on May 12th with a right hamstring strain after he left a May 11th matchup against Milwaukee.  The 29-year-old righty is 0-and-1 with two saves and a 6.35 earned run average in 15 relief appearances for the Cubs this season.  The 24-year-old Dolis holds a record of 2-and-4 with four saves and a 5.68 ERA in 23 relief appearances for the Cubs this year.