As expected, according to multiple reports, the Cubs have activated Henry Rodriguez and the former Nationals’ reliever will be in the Cubs’ pen on Friday night. To make room on the active roster, the Cubs optioned Brooks Raley back to Triple-A Iowa.
The Cubs acquired Henry Rodriguez on Tuesday for minor league RHP Ian Dickson. Rodriguez was DFA’d by the Nationals on June 4 after posting a 0-1 record in 17 games with a 4.00 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP. Rodriguez has a big arm and if the Cubs can get him to throw strikes on a consistent basis, this will be a very good pickup for the team moving forward.
Brooks Raley did not pitch for the Cubs after he was recalled on Wednesday from Iowa to take the place of the injured Zach Putnam in the pen. Raley was warming up to replace Hector Rondon when Julio Borbon delivered the game-winner on Thursday in the 14th inning.
The Cubs’ bullpen shuffle continues … when Rodriguez appears in a game he will be the 20th different pitcher used by the Cubs this season in 64 games.
When the Cubs acquired Rodriguez from the Nationals, RHP Eduardo Sanchez was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Rodriguez. According to the Sun-Times, Sanchez cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Iowa.