According to the Sun-Times, the Cubs signed veteran southpaw Doug Davis to a minor league deal Tuesday morning. Davis will report to Fitch Park and work in extended spring training. The Cubs view Davis more as long term depth and not a quick fix for the big league rotation.
According to Ken Rosenthal, Doug Davis will earn a pro-rated salary of $900,000 if he pitches in the majors with a chance to earn close to $2 million in incentives. The Cubs have signed two veteran pitchers within the last week to minor league contracts. Ramon Ortiz and Doug Davis could provide the big league club two veteran pitchers with starting experience if Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner are on the DL longer than expected.
Davis pitched in just eight games for the Brewers last season and posted a 1-4 record with a 7.51 ERA and a 1.98 WHIP. Davis made 34 starts for the Diamondbacks in 2009 and was 9-14 with a 4.12 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP.
Doug Davis is coming off elbow surgery and according to a report from ESPN Chicago was also diagnosed with a mild case of pericarditis, an inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart on May 15, 2010. Davis made just one appearance for the Brewers after May 10, 2010.
Doug Davis’ Page on Baseball-Reference