Cubs claim left-handed pitcher Joseph Ortiz off waivers from Texas

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs today claimed left-handed pitcher Joseph Ortiz off waivers from the Texas Rangers. The club's 40-man roster now stands at 40 players.

Ortiz, 24, went 2-2 with a 4.23 ERA (21 ER/44.2 IP) in 32 relief appearances for the Rangers in 2013 before being limited to only 15 minor league appearances last season due to a fractured left foot. The southpaw began the 2014 season on the 60-day disabled list and made two rehab appearances with the organization's rookie-league club in Arizona in July before completing his campaign with 13 relief outings with Double-A Frisco (0-2, one save, 4.50 ERA).

A native of Venezuela, Ortiz originally signed with Texas as a non-drafted free agent on August 28, 2006. He is 18-15 with 31 saves and a 2.44 ERA (87 ER/320.2 IP) in 217 relief appearances covering eight minor league seasons.