The pitching-needy Cubs reunited with veteran right-hander Aaron Civale on Saturday, acquiring him along with cash considerations from the A’s in exchange for Minor League right-handed pitcher Aiden Moffett.
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Civale, who was designated for assignment by the A’s on Wednesday, ended last season with the Cubs. He recorded a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings out of Chicago’s bullpen and also threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Brewers in NLDS Game 1. Prior to those five relief outings, each of Civale’s first 135 MLB games were spent as a starter.
TRADE DETAILS
Cubs receive: RHP Aaron Civale, cash considerations
A's receive: RHP Aiden Moffett
An eight-year veteran, Civale signed a 1-year, $6 million contract with the A’s prior to this season, but struggled to a 5.42 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP over 74 2/3 innings (16 games, 15 starts). He also missed about three weeks earlier this year due to right shoulder tendinitis.
This transaction figures to be one of many in which Chicago addresses its pitching staff. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is looking for both rotation and bullpen upgrades ahead of the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline. The Cubs should also be helped by the upcoming returns of injured starters Jameson Taillon and Edward Cabrera.
Taillon (left hamstring strain) is set to be activated off the IL during next week’s series against the Tigers. Cabrera (left hamstring/adductor strain) is on pace to come back in mid-August.
Civale, a third-round Draft pick by Cleveland in 2016, owns a 4.26 ERA through 156 career games (150 starts) split between the Guardians, Rays, Brewers, White Sox, Cubs and A’s.