Cubs add left-handed pitcher Kay, designate infielder Rivas for assignment

The Chicago Cubs today claimed left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Alfonso Rivas has been designated for assignment.

Kay, 27, has pitched to a 4-2 record with two holds and a 5.48 ERA (43 ER/70.2 IP) in 28 games (seven starts) in parts of four seasons with Toronto dating to 2019. He has struck out 77 batters, good for an average of 9.81 strikeouts per 9.0 innings, with 38 walks and 10 home runs allowed.

Kay missed a majority of the 2022 season with a left shoulder injury that saw him placed on Triple-A Buffalo's seven-day injured list from April 23 to June 30 and again July 14-Sept. 18. He went 1-3 with a 5.48 ERA (13 ER/21.1 IP), 12 walks and 23 strikeouts in 13 minor league appearances, all but three while rehabbing from his shoulder injury.

Kay was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Dec. 16.

Kay owns an 18-26 record with one complete-game shutout and a 4.17 ERA (141 ER/304.0 IP) in 70 career minor league games, including 61 starts. He has struck out 310 batters compared to 130 walks, limited opponents to a .254 average and pitched to a 1.30 WHIP.

Kay was selected by the New York Mets in the first round (31st overall) in the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Connecticut. He was traded to Toronto in 2019 with right-handed pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson for right-handed pitcher and current Cub Marcus Stroman.

Rivas, 26, has hit .247 (73-for-295) with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs and 28 RBI in 119 games spanning parts of two seasons with the Cubs beginning in 2021. He was acquired from Oakland January 13, 2020, for infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp.