The Cubs announced two roster moves prior to Sunday’s game against the Brewers.
The Cubs claimed RHP Anthony Varvaro off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. To make room on the 40-man roster, LHP Joseph Ortiz was designated for assignment.
With Sunday’s roster moves, the Cubs 40-man roster stands at 40 players
Anthony Varvaro is out of minor league options. The Cubs will have to clear a spot for him on the active roster and in the Cubs’ pen.
Anthony Varvaro, 30, is 7-9 with 20 holds, one save and a 3.23 ERA (66 earned runs in 183 2/3 innings) with a 1.28 WHIP in 166 major league relief appearances with Seattle (2010), Atlanta (2011-14) and Boston (2015). He turned in a 2.99 ERA (56 earned runs in 168 2/3 innings) with a 1.20 WHIP in 153 outings during his four seasons in the National League with Atlanta, including a 6-4 record with one save and a 2.74 ERA (39 ER/128.0 IP) in 123 appearances covering the last two seasons.
In his career, Varvaro has limited left-handed hitters to a .201 batting average (58-for-289) while right handers have batted .268 (107-for-400).
The six-foot, 190-pound Varvaro was traded to the Red Sox last December 17 and went 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA (five earned runs in 11 innings) with a 1.82 WHIP in nine relief appearances this season before being designated for assignment on April 29. Varvaro gave up 14 hits with six walks and eight strikeouts.
The Red Sox acquired Varvaro from the Braves for RHP Aaron Kurcz and cash. Kurcz was the second player Boston received as compensation for Theo Epstein leaving the Red Sox to take the position as President of Baseball Operations with the Cubs.
Anthony Varvaro is a native of Staten Island and attended St. John’s University. He was originally selected by the Mariners in the 12th round of the 2005 Draft.
Joseph Ortiz, 24, is 0-1 with one save and a 3.38 ERA (four earned runs in 10 2/3 innings) with a 1.22 WHIP in eight relief appearances with Triple-A Iowa this season. The Cubs claimed Ortiz off waivers from the Rangers last October.