Samardzija, Takatsu among Cubs' cuts

MESA, Ariz. - Pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Shingo Takatsu were among seven rosters cuts made by the Cubs Tuesday morning.

Samardzija was optioned to Class AA Tennessee and Takatsu was granted his unconditional release.

In addition, the Cubs optioned infielder-outfielder Jake Fox and pitcher Juan Mateo to Class AAA Iowa. Pitchers Ed Campusano, infielder Luis Figueroa and catcher J.D. Closser were sent to the minor-league camp.

The spring roster now stands at 42 players.

Samardzija, the former Notre Dame football star, pitched in 2 games this spring, going 1-0 with a 6.00 ERA. He gave up 4 hits and 2 runs in 3 innings. He walked one and struck out one. In his first full season of pro ball last year, Samardzija went 3-8 with a 4.95 ERA at Class A Daytona and 3-3 with a 3.41 ERA at Tennessee.

"It was good," an upbeat Samardzija said. "It was kind of the same thing as last spring. I knew I was going to come in and get the innings I was going to get and try to make the most out of them. I was happy with the way it turned out. Obviously, you want to throw a little more, too, and get a shot, but it's good."

Takatsu worked in 5 games, going 0-1 with a 9.64 ERA. The former White Sox closer worked 4 2/3 innings, giving up 5 hits and 5 runs. He said he is not considering retirement.

"If I have an opportunity, I'm eager to pitch some more," he said through a translator. "I think I could have pitched a little better, but I really appreciate the opportunity for me to go back to Chicago."