As expected, the Cubs signed Bobby Howry to a one-year deal Friday. Howry was released by the Diamondbacks and cleared waivers Wednesday. Howry will earn a pro-rated salary of $410,000, the Major League minimum.
To make room for Bobby Howry on the active roster, Justin Berg was optioned to Triple-A Iowa and David Patton was designated for assignment to create a spot on the 40-man roster for Howry. Patton, the Cubs Rule 5 Draft 5 in 2008, has struggled this season in the minors after the Cubs did everything they could to keep him last year.
Bobby Howry is expected to pitch in the sixth and seventh inning … and add veteran leadership to the clubhouse and bullpen. According to a report from Bruce Levine, Jim Hendry will continue to look for a right-handed option to serve as the eight-inning setup man. After a good season with the Giants in 2009, Bobby Howry signed with the Diamondbacks over the winter. Howry posted a 1-0 record with a 10.67 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP in 14 games (14 1/3 innings) Howry served up six home runs this season … including one to Alfonso Soriano on May 1.
Howry was 2-6 with three blown saves for the Giants last season. Howry posted a 3.39 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP.
Bobby Howry signed with the Cubs, the first time, in the winter of 2005. Howry had a good season in 2006, despite being over used by Dusty Baker (a career-high 84 games). Howry pitched well for Lou Piniella in his first year in Chicago (6-7 with eight saves in 72 games, a 3.32 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP). All of the innings started catching up with Howry in 2008 (7-5 with a save in 72 games, 5.35 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP) and he departed after the Cubs did not show any interest in re-signing him.