The Cubs have designated lefty Clayton Richard for assignment, Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com tweets. Outfielder Matt Szczur has been called up to take his roster spot.
This marks the second time that Chicago has DFA’ed the veteran since acquiring him from the Pirates earlier this year. Previously, Richard was designated off of the active roster (but not the 40-man). He was sent to Triple-A after clearing optional assignment waivers and accepting the assignment. It remains to be seen what precise transaction has taken place this time.
Richard came back up to start yesterday, twirling six innings of one-run ball, allowing only five baserunners to reach (all via base hits) and striking out three. Over 21 total innings on the season, he’s permitted ten earned runs and logged nine strikeouts against five walks. Richard has been quite strong at the Triple-A level this season, as he carries a 1.70 ERA over 69 frames.
I feel bad for Richard. He threw fairly well in his scheduled starts (in an admittedly small sample size). That said, his numbers were certainly inflated by the emergency relief role for Hammel against StL.
I think Haren will do well for the Cubs. I just hope Richard finds a home somewhere.
Red sox should pick him up, can’t be any worse than kelly
+1
With Wood and Russell pitching ok I guess there isn’t really a need for Richard. I’d honestly rather have a third lefty in the pen instead of Soriano, I’d actually take Jackson over Soriano. Richard actually showed some good velocity in his last start topping out at 94 and Wood has gained some velocity this year in relief. I wonder what type of bump Richard could get moving to the pen. The Cubs really need a shut down lefty reliever to go with Grimm and Rondon though. Something I thought they’d go after at the deadline. In potentially big spots, i.e. playoff races/games, a solid left handed reliever comes in very handy.
Pick him up Padres- he could pay dividends if Despaigne can’t figure things out. Plus we could use a lefty starter.
dodgers???
Hopefully he clears waivers and heads back to AAA for the Cubs. He has been a pretty decent 6th starter and I am sure he will be needed again.
I agree, and I hope that’s the case. I just don’t envision him clearing waivers – but it’d be a nice surprise if he did. Clearly, he’d be back up in September, and could be a valuable piece for the playoff push.