The Cubs and former D-backs right-hander Josh Collmenter are in agreement on a minor league contract, reports SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo (links to Twitter). The Sparta Group client was designated for assignment and released by Arizona last week.
After serving as Arizona’s Opening Day starter in 2015, the 30-year-old Collmenter spent the first six weeks of the season on the disabled list due to shoulder tightness and returned in the bullpen, where he struggled in limited action. In 22 1/3 innings, he posted a 4.84 ERA with a 17-to-11 K/BB ratio and a 47.7 percent ground-ball rate. Prior to the 2016 season, though, Collmenter was a durable and versatile piece of the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff. From 2011-15, he made 75 starts and 110 relief appearances with Arizona, working to a 3.49 ERA with 6.3 K/9 against 2.1 BB/9.
Chicago obviously has a tremendous rotation, featuring Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, John Lackey and Jason Hammel, so it seems likelier that Collmenter will be looked at as a bullpen option than a rotation cog. Once his deal is finalized, Collmenter will have a bit of work to do to get back up to game speed, as his last appearance on a big league mound was just over two weeks ago (July 25).
Could be a spot start option as well in September as rosters expand of the Cubs continue to cruise to a large division lead.
Orioles should have signed him
Pretty sure he’ll be used as a Spot starter. Maddon has said how he wants to give everyone, position players and pitchers alike, rest down the stretch. Listen to his segment on 670 today
Giants!!!!
Wow. He fell up.
Theo going back to the well of washed up starters to fill out the bullpen. Hopefully he can put together a couple of months of solid pitching
I was hoping my braves would of got him could of been our long realiver
I’d take my time with him. Try and have him for next year. Remember Theo and Jed are looking beyond this year too!