Cubs sign former Orioles' 1st round draft pick |
The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran lefty Brian Matusz to a minor league contract according to multiple reports.
The 29-year old reportedly took his physical yesterday and will more than likely be headed to Triple-A Iowa for the Cubs. In 2016 with the Orioles, he had a 12.00 ERA with a strikeout, 11 hits, seven walks in six innings pitched. He has been dealing with an intercostal strain injury this season. In 2015, he had his best season with a 2.94 ERA and 10.29 strikeouts per nine innings 58 relief appearances. In eight seasons with the Orioles, he has a 4.85 ERA with 27 wins, 41 losses and a WHIP of 1.45. Matusz was traded to the Braves on May 23 for minor league pitchers Trevor Belicek and Brandon Barker but was designated for assignment nine days after the trade was finalized in an obvious salary dump situation. He was named to Baseball America's 2010 All-Rookie Team and was selected fourth overall in the 2008 MLB Draft. Remember that the Cubs basically stole Jake Arrieta from the Orioles so the Cubs are hoping to strike gold again with Baltimore with a very low risk move.
