Cubs sign Motte, claim 2 off waivers

After passing his physical, right-handed reliever Jason Motte has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, team officials announced Friday.

Motte, 32, was a closer for the Cardinals in their 2011 World Series run and in 2012, missed the entire 2013 season after injuring his right elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Published reports have put the deal $4.5 million.

In six seasons with the Cardinals, posted a record of 18-13 with 54 saves, 50 holds and a 3.03 ERA (96 ER/285.0 IP) in 311 relief appearances. In his career, Motte has struck out 290 batters while walking only 86 in 285.0 innings, with a 1.11 WHIP.

Last season, Motte was 1-0 with a 4.68 ERA in 29 games.

Friday afternoon, Cubs officials also announced they had claimed catcher Ryan Lavarnway off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers and outfielder Shane Peterson off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Donn Roach and infielder Logan Watkins were designated for assignment.

Lavarnway, 27, spent seven seasons in the Red Sox organization before he was claimed by the Dodgers on Dec. 5

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound right-handed hitting catcher is a career .201 major league hitter.

Peterson, 26, batted .308 (167-for-543) with 40 doubles, 11 homers and 90 RBI with Triple-A Sacramento last season, earning Pacific Coast League midseason and postseason All Star honors. The 6-foot, 210-pound Peterson was originally selected by St. Louis in the second round of the 2008 Draft out of Cal State-Long Beach.