According to a report from the Tribune, the Cubs released LHP Brian Matusz.
The Cubs called up Brian Matusz to make the start Sunday in the finale of the series with the Mariners. Matusz struggled mightily and gave up three two-run homers, one in each of the first three innings to Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano and Dae-Ho Lee.
Instead of being the Cubs’ sixth starter, the Cubs have cut ties with Brian Matusz according to Tribune.
Joe Maddon said before the game he was looking to get five innings out of Matusz. Maddon was forced to pull Matusz after three innings.
The Cubs pulled out the game with an unforgettable walk-off win. Jon Lester squeezed in Jason Heyward in the 12th inning with the winning run.
Brian Matusz allowed six runs on six hits (three home runs) with two walks, a HBP and two strikeouts. Matusz made 57 pitches, 36 for strikes, in three innings.
By releasing Brian Matusz, the Cubs opened a spot on the 40-man roster, which now stands at 39 players, and cleared space on the 25-man roster to call up a reliever from Triple-A Iowa.
The Cubs optioned Justin Grimm to Triple-A Iowa to have room on the active roster for Matusz. Grimm cannot be recalled for 10 days unless he is replacing an injured player.
With Trevor Cahill on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs might decide to activate him from the disabled list before Monday’s opener with the Marlins.