Manny Parra signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs on Monday, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com. The left-handed relief pitcher will have an invite to the team’s big league camp, per JW Gravley of 27 Outs Baseball.
Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald shared that Parra has already reported to the Cubs:
Parra, 33, spent three of his first four seasons as a starter with the Milwaukee Brewers, but he struggled mightily with a 5.13 ERA over 454.1 innings, which forced him to the minors in 2011 and a role in the bullpen upon his return the following year.
He spent the past three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, making 40 appearances with a 3.90 ERA in 2015. Over the course of his eight-year career, Parra has been lit up by right-handed batters, which has been a huge pitfall:
Parra has also struggled with wild pitches, leading the league with 17 in 2008. Here is a look at one during the opening series at Busch Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013:
The Cubs already have a slew of left-handed relievers competing in camp, slimming Parra’s chances of making the big league team. In addition to those already on the 40-man roster—Travis Wood, Clayton Richard and Rex Brothers—the Cubs also have Jack Leathersich and Edgar Olmos competing this spring, according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors.
Parra’s signing is a win for the Cubs, who at the very worst get an inexpensive option who adds depth to their relief corps as a minor league option.
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