Latest news and rumors: Hickey resigns, Cubs claim LHP and more |
A lot of action today as teams scramble to get their 40-man rosters in order prior to the deadline for the Rule 5 draft. The Cubs have ties to many of the day’s transactions and rumors. Transactions are likely to come in for some time yet this evening, if so, we’ll update you bright and early in the morning.
2019 Cubs’ Opener: Still 128 days out- hasn’t changed since this afternoon- unfortunately. BREAKING: Cubs announce pitching coach Jim Hickey has resigned as pitching coach, search for replacement under way. Theo Epstein issued the following statement: “Jim Hickey notified us yesterday of his decision to step down as pitching coach and leave the organization for personal reasons. We thank Jim for his season with the Cubs and his positive impact on our pitchers. Jim has our full support and we all wish him well.” For those speculating, this has nothing to do with Maddon or anything else. It is what the release states: personal reasons. Cubs: Ken Rosenthal reports that the Cubs and Red Sox (among others) are engaged in talks with the Padres with regard to RHP Rowan Wick. Padres say the Wick and teammate Colten Brewer will go as two separate deals. Wick pitched to a 0-1 record in 2018 with a 6.48 ERA in 8.1 innings of work. Cubs claim lefty Ian Clarkin off waivers from White Sox. Clarkin has a 3.55 ERA through five minor league seasons and was the 33rd pick overall by the Yankees in 2013. Astros: Add RHPs Bryan Abreu, Rogelio Armenteros and catcher Garrett Stubbs to 40-man roster. Braves: Atlanta signs former White Sox OF Ryan LaMarre to minor league contract. Select contracts of catcher Alex Jackson, RHPs Jacob Webb, Patrick Weigel and Huascar Ynoa. Cardinals: St. Louis DFA RHP Conner Greene (4.05 ERA) and RHP Derian Gonzalez (3.51 ERA). Select contracts of LHP Génesis Cabrera, RHP Ryan Helsley, OF Lane Thomas and INF Ramón Urías. Diamondbacks: Arizona outrights RHP Braden Shipley and RHP Artie Lewicki. D-Backs 40-man now at 33. Add RHPs Taylor Clarke, Joel Payamps, Bo Takahashi, Emilio Vargas and 1B Kevin Cron to 40-man roster. Indians: Acquire RHP Walter Lockett from Padres, in exchange for minor league PTBNL. Mariners: Add RHP Erik Swanson to 40-man roster. Marlins: Claim RHP Julian Fernández off waivers from Giants. Mets: Release RHP Jennry Mejia. Orioles: Select contract of RHP Dillon Tate from Double-A Bowie; designate INF Engelb Vielma for assignment. Padres: San Diego likely to sell 3B Christian Villanueva to a Japanese team. Padres want “an established” third-baseman. Ken Rosenthal reporting “Padres have discussed a trade with Mariners in which they would acquire SS Jean Segura and RHP Mike Leake for OF Wil Myers. Leake would need to waive his no-trade clause for deal to occur, and also is weighing other potential options, one source says. Padres want a trade for Myers in which money is almost even. Myers is owed $64M next 4 years. Segura (3 years) and Leake (2 years) owed combined $79.75M. Segura could play SS for Pads until Tatis is ready, then move to 2B. Tatis also has played 3B. Deal at moment not thought to be close” Rangers: Texas claims SS Jack Reinheimer off waivers from Cubs, outright RHP Ronald Herrera and former Cub pitcher RHP Eddie Butler to Triple-A Nashville. Yesterday, the Rangers signed catcher Jeff Mathis to a two-year deal. Red Sox: Boston acquires RHP Colten Brewer from Padres in exchange for minor-leaguer INF Esteban Quiroz. Cubs were also involved in talks with Padres for Brewer. In 2018, Brewer had a 1-0 record with a 5.54 ERA (9.2 IP). Boston releases RHP William Cuevas; outrights RHP Austin Maddox to Triple-A Pawtucket; adds RHPs Travis Lakins, Denyi Reyes, LHPs Josh Taylor, Darwinzon Hernandez and INF Michael Chavis to 40-man roster. Reds: Add RHP Jimmy Herget to 40-man roster. Rockies: Add RHPs Ryan Castellani, Justin Lawrence, INF Josh Fuentes and OF Sam Hilliard to 40-man roster; designate 1B/OF Jordan Patterson for assignment. Royals: Select contracts of RHPs Arnaldo Hernandez, Josh Staumont and Scott Blewett. White Sox: Add pitchers Dylan Cease (former Cubs’ prospect), Kodi Medeiros and Jordan Stephens and catcher Seby Zavala to 40-man roster, which is now at 39. Again, nothing stellar on the Cubs’ front today, but give it time, things have got to start happening soon. Check back throughout the day tomorrow for updates, and thanks as always for your support.
