Right-hander Jake Woodford has been designated for assignment by the Cubs, the team announced. Reliever Phil Maton is back from the injured list to take Woodford’s spot in the bullpen.
Woodford’s tenure in Chicago lasted just one appearance. He was charged with three earned runs on five hits in Friday’s loss to the Reds. The Cubs signed him last week after he opted out of his minor league deal with the Brewers. Woodford took Bryse Wilson‘s spot in the bullpen as the club shuffled long relievers.
The 29-year-old Woodford opened the season with Milwaukee. He broke camp with the club after coming over from the Rays in a small trade. Woodford didn’t find much success with the Brewers, posting a 6.94 ERA in 16 appearances. He was DFAed in June and eventually elected free agency, but returned to the club on a minor league deal. Woodford moved on to the Cubs after a month at Triple-A Nashville.
The Cubs have been desperate for healthy arms with injuries hampering the rotation and the bullpen. The club has cycled through veterans Vince Velasquez, Yacksel Rios, Ty Blach, Wilson, and now Woodford in an effort to find multi-inning options. Chicago remains without Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Ben Brown in the rotation. The bullpen is missing Daniel Palencia, Hunter Harvey, and Riley Martin, among others.
Maton is one of those relievers the Cubs have been missing this year. He’s had multiple stints on the injured list due to a nagging knee issue. Chicago brought him in on a two-year, $14.5MM deal to be in the high-leverage mix. The 33-year-old has struggled to a 6.08 ERA across 26 2/3 innings.
The Cubs have yet to land on a steady replacement for Palencia, who is dealing with elbow inflammation. Jacob Webb and Trent Thornton have handled closer duties of late. Maton has five holds, which is one behind the team lead. He has closing experience and could factor into the ninth-inning plans.
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