According to multiple reports Monday afternoon, Brian Schlitter will be returned to the Cubs on a technicality due to a pre-existing injury. Major League Baseball concluded Schlitter had an elbow strain prior to being placed on waivers by the Cubs during the off-season to make room on the 40-man roster for Kerry Wood. The New York Yankees claimed Brian Schlitter off waivers from the Cubs and the right-hander passed his physical with the Yankees. Not long after, the Yankees placed Schlitter on waivers and his original organization, the Phillies, picked him up. Schlitter passed his physical with the Phillies as well.
Schlitter will report to extended Spring Training in Mesa.
The Cubs acquired Brian Schlitter as the player to be named later in the deal that sent Scott Eyre to the Phillies in 2008. Schlitter struggled during his time with the Cubs last season.
Jim Hendry said the Cubs are happy to have Schlitter back in the organization.
Brian Schlitter’s Page on Baseball-Reference