Cubs shut down Garza for rest of season
MILWAUKEE — Simply put, the math caught up with Matt Garza.
The Cubs transferred their ace starting pitcher to the 60-day disabled list Tuesday as part of several roster moves.
They selected lefty Chris Rusin from Class AAA Iowa to start Tuesday night against the Brewers. They also added reliever Alex Hinshaw to the roster after claiming him off waivers from San Diego this past Sunday.
To make room, the Cubs optioned reliever Jeff Beliveau and infielder Adrian Cardenas to Class AAA Iowa. They’re both likely to be September call-ups.
Garza has not pitched since July 21, when he came down with a “stress reaction” in his right elbow during a start at St. Louis. Although he technically could come back and pitch in the final week of the season, the Cubs will be cautious with him.
“If he came back, even if everything went great, he might have got a start or two,” said manager Dale Sveum. “There was no reason to do that. He’s shut down the rest of the season.”
Garza took the news philosophically, even given that he never even wants out of games he’s pitching.
“I’m not lying; I’m never going to be fine with it,” he said. “But I kind of have to. You have to accept it.”
On top of that, Garza would have to restart a throwing program, and that would take time. He goes into his free-agent season next year, so it’s a big year coming up for both him and the Cubs.
“You kind of use it as a blessing,” he said. “Get my body in tiptop shape and get ready for next season.
“If this is it, disappointed, because I wanted to finish it off. I’d like to be the guy who steps out there every five days and be known for that. Little hiccup, but come back stronger.”
Back to work:Reliever Alex Hinshaw said he did some hanging out at the beach after being designated for assignment Aug. 14 by the San Diego Padres.But he was in uniform and ready to go Tuesday after the Cubs claimed him off waivers. Hinshaw will work in middle relief, joining James Russell as lefties out of the pen.#147;I really have no expectations,#148; he said. #147;Whatever the skipper has in mind, and work with the pitching coaches and everything. Whenever they call my name, get ready.#147;It#146;s my job to get outs regardless of the situation. That#146;s always the way I#146;ve gone about it as a reliever. Regardless of the situation, I#146;ve got to treat it that that#146;s the out I need to make.#148;At San Diego, Hinshaw was 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 31 relief appearances.Numbers game:Chris Rusin became the 16th rookie the Cubs used this season. He was the 10th Cub to make his major-league debut in 2012. Rusin also became the 47th player used by the Cubs this year, four shy of the club record, set in 2000.