Ex-Cub Marmol returns but feels unappreciated
Carlos Marmol played the good sport Thursday even if he wasn't feeling appreciated.
The former Cubs closer now is a reliever with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the Cubs designated him for assignment June 25.
Marmol signed autographs for Cubs fans and greeted former teammates as the Cubs finished batting practice before Thursday night's game at Wrigley Field.
The Dodgers traded reliever Matt Guerrier to the Cubs for Marmol on July 2 and sent him to the minor leagues. They selected him from Class AA Chattanooga July 22. He entered Thursday having made 2 appearances for the Dodgers, giving up 6 hits and 4 runs in 22⁄3 innings.
“It feels great,” he said. “The team is in first place. I feel great. I feel great wearing the uniform. I'm in first place right now and so happy.”
For the Cubs this year, Marmol was 2-4 with a 5.86 ERA. He ranks third on the Cubs' all-time saves list, with 117. He also played a part in the Cubs' 2007 and 2008 division winners.
He found himself booed often the last couple of years at Wrigley Field. He seemed ready for that again, despite the good times he had here.
“Yeah, but they forget about that,” he said. “I played almost eight years there and they never said what good I did, and they didn't appreciate what I did. Time to move, and I moved. That's what it is.”
The long road back:Cubs reliever Kyuji Fujikawa visited the clubhouse Thursday. Fujikawa is recovering from Tommy John surgery.#8220;I can't pitch any more this season, but hopefully I can come back strong next year,#8221; he said through his translator.Fujikawa had 2 saves after taking over the closer's job from Carlos Marmol, but he began feeling discomfort as early as the middle of April, when he went on the disabled list for the first time.#8220;I think it's progressing well at this point, and hopefully I can come back strong next year and be a part of the team,#8221; he said.Minor matters:The Cubs have announced the signing of Dominican outfielder Eloy Jimenez. Sources say the signing bonus is $2.8 million.Two pitchers the Cubs picked up in recent trades worked Wednesday. Justin Grimm, acquired from Texas in the Matt Garza trade, took the loss for Class AAA Iowa in a 6-3 defeat at Salt Lake. Grimm worked 5 innings, giving up 4 hits and 2 runs.Ivan Pineyro, obtained from Washington for Scott Hairston, pitched 6 scoreless innings for Class A Daytona in getting a no-decision Wednesday against Fort Myers.