Cubs spring for familiar face with trade to acquire Civale from A's

CHICAGO -- Aaron Civale played a part in the Cubs’ bullpen down the stretch last season and then stepped up in a big way when needed in the playoffs. Given the need for pitching depth at the moment, Chicago has once again brought the veteran righty back into the fold to help.

The Cubs swung a trade with the A’s on Saturday to acquire Civale and cash considerations in exchange for Minor League righty Aiden Moffett. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Sunday morning that Civale would join the team within the next few days to get to work with a staff that is familiar with the pitcher.

“I think it makes it easier for Aaron, for sure,” Counsell said of that prior history.

Counsell noted that the Cubs will have 17 games in a row (and 26 games in 27 days), following a team off-day on Thursday. The Aug. 3 Trade Deadline falls within that stretch, but Chicago is still navigating through this stretch with a lengthy list of arms from the rotation and bullpen on the injured list.

As a multi-inning pitcher capable of starting or offering length out of the ‘pen, Civale has the potential to help ease the burden on some other pitchers.

“Looking at the innings puzzle,” Counsell said, “it’s just making sure we’re covered from that perspective.”

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.

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. Civale had a 2.70 ERA in his first nine games (46 2/3 innings), followed by a 9.96 ERA in his seven most recent outings (28 innings).

“He’s kind of struggled since he’s come off the injured list a little bit,” Counsell said. “So, that’s kind of what we’re working on right now. We’ll try to diagnose that and see if there’s anything we can do to help him there.”

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 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 on Monday 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.