Chicago Cubs are moving towards a big push going into the homestretch of the season. They and the Houston Astros are the two surprise teams of the 2015 MLB season and as both teams made moves to bolster their roster earlier in the year, the Cubs don’t appear to be done quite yet.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon will be bringing back one of his go-to closers from his Tampa Bay Rays days, veteran reliever Fernando Rodney.
Following from Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago.
#Cubs acquire Fernando Rodney.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) August 27, 2015
#Cubs get Fernando Rodney from #Mariners for player to be named later or cash consideration. Rosscup optioned to Iowa. Schlitter DFA'd.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) August 27, 2015
#Cubs expect Fernando Rodney to be in their bullpen on Friday night at Dodger Stadium.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) August 27, 2015
In 2014, Rodney had a solid year for the Mariners posting a 2.58 era with a league-leading 48 saves but was bad almost all of this year. He had a 5.68 ERA and 1.500 WHIP and had six blown saves before he was designated for assignment. He’s 38 and likely past his prime, but at this point, the Cubs can try him out in the bullpen to try to match the performances from the young offense and solid starting pitching.
Luckily, if he doesn’t work out, he can simply be released. Following from an official Cubs press release:
The Chicago Cubs today acquired right-handed pitcher Fernando Rodney from the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named or cash consideration. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Zac Rosscup has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa and right-handed pitcher Brian Schlitter has been designated for assignment.
“I was there for that year when he had the best in history,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of the right-hander’s 2012 season with the Rays, when he compiled an 0.60 ERA in 76 games with 48 saves. “He has the kind of stuff to get out both righties and lefties. I know he had trouble or struggled a bit this year, but I’m eager to see him in person and find out what’s going on.”
Rodney as a rental for the remainder of the year should work out for the Cubs. Unfortunately for Rodney he will have to change his Number from 56, which he’s worn his entire career, because that’s currently taken by closer Hector Rondon.
