The Cubs have designated lefty Jack Leathersich for assignment, MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat tweets. The move clears space on the team’s 40-man roster for newly acquired outfielder Leonys Martin.
The 27-year-old Leathersich has spent most of the season at Triple-A Iowa, posting a 2.84 ERA, 5.7 BB/9 and an eye-popping 14.6 K/9 over 44 1/3 innings. Those numbers, combined with the fact that Leathersich has options remaining, could win him some attention on the waiver wire. He does, however, have limited big-league experience, and he struggled in brief duty with the Cubs earlier this season. The Cubs acquired Leathersich on a waiver claim from the Mets in the 2015-16 offseason, later re-signed him to a minor-league deal, then added him to their 40-man roster last winter.
Someone explain please why Leathersich is removed from 40 man. Granted he has control issues but his K rate is off the charts. If and when he harnesses it he could be a lights out lefty out of pen which aren’t easy to find. At very least a lefty specialist. I know someone had to go but better choices were there. Like Mills or even Hannemann. There is an infatuation with Hannemann that I just don’t get. Great athlete but he’s no longer a prospect due to age and the fact he hasn’t and probably never will hit.
I don’t get the Hannemann love either. It feels like forever that people have been waiting for something out of him, but he’s always struck me as just another guys whose ceiling is Sam Fuld. Then again, Cubs fans have always had an unhealthy with gritty white guys.
your last sentence makes no sense in a number of ways.
Just like morons have an “unhealthy” with unrelated race issues.
Gritty guys. Period
Yes, Cubs fans are voting for roster moves and the front office hours with that.
Sam Fuld has a 4.8 career BBRef WAR.
If you don’t value outfield defense, you’ll never appreciate Hannemann.
The Cubs are in a spot where anyone from the 40 they run through waivers will be one of the better players on waivers that week.
Tough choice.
Jays, you just found your better Aaron Loup
Tigers should claim him
Jack Leathersich, let’s sing an encore version of Meet the Mets.
I would have rather seen them release Grimm. He gives up way too many home runs and has been given oh so many chances to get it right.
Grimm is a bit Dillon Maples at a different stage of his career.
And really, if they were really in need to free up a 40 roster spot, that Mike Freeman fellow looks to be several miles south of terrible.
Freeman probably would have been the odd man out if Russell was on track.
How many of his Triple-A at-bats have you seen or heard? If none, whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?
Because Joe Maddon wants an OF that can steal a base. So he can make more moves that don’t need to be made. There is no reason to drop anyone for Leonys Martin. He in NO WAY makes the Cubs better. He NEVER should make the postseason roster. Relievers are everywhere. If you can’t breed 7 of em a year, go buy a couple. This are the reasons why. I disagree as well.
Quentin Berry filled the same role in 2015. You lost me on the reason you disagree with the move. You say relievers are everywhere and should should be able to breed them or buy them. DFAing Leathersich just means the Cubs have to breed one or buy one… which is simple. It’s not like he’s a 21 year old power arm that they are trying to harness. I agree Martin won’t be on the playoff roster, but he may play a role in a game during this race. Leathersich won’t.
Martin was added in case Heyward lacerates a spleen, and Jay gets viral meningitis the next three weeks. As insurance.
Whoever got axed could be argued. It sure beats having Cody Ransom hitting fifth.