Cubs acquire RHP Brandon Kintzler from the Nationals for RHP Jhon Romero … RHP Justin Hancock transferred to 60-day DL
The Cubs made a deal to help the bullpen prior to Tuesday’s non-waiver trade deadline. The Cubs acquired RHP Brandon Kintzler from the Nationals for minor league right-hander Jhon Romero. The addition of Kintzler gives Joe Maddon another option out of the pen late in games.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Kintzler, RHP Justin Hancock was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
The Cubs will have to make a roster move prior to Wednesday’s game against the Pirates to add Kintzler to the 25-man roster.
Kintzler turns 34 on Wednesday (Aug. 1) and is owed the remainder of the one-year, $5 million deal he signed with the Nationals in the off-season. Kintzler’s contract includes an option for the 2019 season ($10 million club option, $5 million player option based on performance). Kintzler is owed $1,639,785 for the remainder of the 2018 season.
Kintzler is 1-2 with a 3.59 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 45 games this season. In 42 2/3 innings, Kintzler has allowed 17 runs, all earned, on 40 hits with 13 walks and 31 strikeouts. Kintzler recorded two saves with the Nationals and totaled 45 saves in two years with the Minnesota Twins (2016, 2017). Kintzler is familiar with the NL Central from his days with the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Brandon Kintzler’s Page on Baseball-Reference
RHP Jhon Romero, 23, posted a combined 1-1 record in 22 games, all in relief, with a 0.86 ERA and 0.62 WHIP over three stops (Short-Season Low-A Eugene, Low-A South Bend, High-A Myrtle Beach) in the Cubs’ system.
Justin Hancock has been on the 10-day DL since June 26 with right shoulder inflammation.
