Cubs claim lefty reliever from Rangers
The Cubs on Monday claimed left-handed pitcher Joseph Ortiz off waivers from the Texas Rangers.
Ortiz, 24, pitched for the Rangers in 2013, going 2-2 with a 4.23 ERA and a WHIP of 1.25 in 32 games, all in relief.
He appeared in 15 minor-league games this year as he recovered from a fractured left foot. He began the 2014 season on the 60-day disabled list and made 2 rehab appearances with the organization's Rookie club in Arizona in July before completing his season with 13 relief outings with Class AA Frisco, where he went 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 1 save.
The 5-foot-7, 175-pound Ortiz originally signed with Texas as a non-drafted free agent in 2006. He is 18-15 with 31 saves and a 2.44 ERA in 217 relief appearances covering eight minor-league seasons.
Last week, Cubs president Theo Epstein said the Cubs would like to add depth to the bullpen. Wesley Wright and Zac Rosscup were the lefties coming out of the pen at the end of the season.
The Cubs' 40-man roster stands at 40 with the addition of Ortiz.
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