In the midst of a playoff push, the Chicago Cubs are looking to bolster their bullpen by any means necessary.
According to the Seattle Mariners’ public relations Twitter account, the Cubs acquired reliever Fernando Rodney from the Mariners on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations.
CSN Chicago’s Patrick Mooney reported Rodney is expected to join the Cubs Friday night when they square off against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Mariners designated Rodney for assignment on Aug. 23, which opened up a 10-day period during which the reliever could be traded.
“It’s tough,” Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon said after designating Rodney, according to ESPN.com. “You are connected to players and you want them to do good. And it’s very unfortunate when you have to tell them you are making a change. It’s never easy.”
Rodney has appeared in 54 games during the 2015 season, but he’s regressed harshly after tying a career-high with 48 saves while posting a 2.85 ERA during the 2014 season.
At 38 years old, Rodney has recorded just 16 saves while blowing six and posting a 5-5 record. His ERA has also ballooned to 5.68—the highest mark he’s tallied since 2003 (6.07).
Despite Rodney’s struggles, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick noted Rodney’s familiarity with Chicago manager Joe Maddon could spark a revival:
Rodney and Maddon spent time together with the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
And while the two-time All-Star has been struggling mightily, it can’t hurt the Cubs to take a low-risk flier on a short-term rental. According to Spotrac, Rodney is earning $7 million in the final year of his deal.
To date, Cubs relievers rank sixth in the NL with a 3.47 ERA and seventh with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.75. Those numbers are hardly poor, but Chicago is in a position where it can try to buy low and resurrect Rodney’s season with some middle-relief opportunities.
Save situations will likely be out of the question, but new surroundings could help stabilize Rodney’s numbers a bit as the Cubs seek to clinch their first postseason berth since 2008.
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