It’s offical: Cubs sign Villanueva
The Cubs on Saturday finally made official their signing of right-handed pitcher Carlos Villanueva to a two-year, $10 million deal. Villanueva gets $5 million in 2013 and $5 million in 2014.
The 29-year-old Villanueva has pitched the last seven seasons with the Brewers (2006-10) and Blue Jays (2011-12). He is 33-35 with a 4.26 ERA and 6 saves in 301 big-league appearances, 56 starts. His lifetime WHIP (walks plus hits per 1 inning pitched) is 1.30.
Last season for Toronto, he was 7-7 with a 4.16 ERA in 38 games, 16 starts.
The Cubs are expected to use him as a swing man, with their starting rotation looking full going into spring training.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated reliever Lendy Castillo for assignment. Castillo, obtained last off-season in the Rule 5 draft, made 13 appearances for the Cubs in 2012, going 0-1 with a 7.88 ERA.
The Villanueva deal was reported several weeks ago, but the Cubs are just now making it official. He had to undergo a physical exam, and the Cubs had to clear space for him on the 40-man roster.
The Cubs this week are expected to announce the signing of outfielder Scott Hairston to a two-year contract.