Cubs set to bring back reliever Tepera
The Cubs have agreed to a deal with right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Tepera, according to multiple reports.
Tepera, 33, posted a 3.92 ERA for the Cubs last season in 21 appearances. He spent the first five years of his major-league career with Toronto.
The deal was not official by Friday afternoon, so manager David Ross talked about what Tepera brought to the Cubs bullpen last season.
"I thought he bridged the gap to the back end really well, that 6-7 spot where maybe Ro Wick was used the day before," Ross said. "He was a significant piece for us last year that kind of came in and got us out of big spots, was able to handle the moment.
"Veteran guys have that poise about them and he's been out there in big situations in the American League East before. So being in big games for us down the stretch and having that poise and being able to make big pitches in big moments was important to us."
And bullpen depth will be needed since Rowan Wick, injured near the end of last season, is not expected to be ready for the start of this season with an oblique issue.
"I think just in general this year, it's going to take a lot of different arms to pitch big innings for us with the limited innings they were able to throw last year," Ross said. "Bullpen depth is always an important piece to any championship-caliber team. Guys that have been in the moment, have had success, are very important."