Cubs sign three left-handers to Minor League deals
Wada to compete for spot in rotation; Chicago also signs outfielder Maier
CHICAGO -- The Cubs added to their pitching inventory when they signed left-handed pitchers Jonathan Sanchez, Tsuyoshi Wada, and Tommy Hottovy to Minor League contracts with invites to Spring Training.
The team also announced it has signed outfielder Mitch Maier to a Minor League contract with an invite as well.
Wada, 32, will compete for a spot in the Cubs' rotation. The lefty, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012, compiled a 2.76 ERA over his last 78 1/3 innings for the Orioles' Triple-A Norfolk team last season. He'll join Justin Grimm, Chris Rusin and Carlos Villanueva as candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Sanchez, 31, was once a staple in the Giants' rotation who threw a no-hitter against the Padres in 2009. He appeared in five games for the Pirates last season, and struggled with his command.
Hottovy, 32, appeared in 42 Minor League games last season with the Blue Jays' Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo teams. He's had brief stints in the big leagues with the Red Sox (2011) and Royals (2012).
Maier, 31, who battled a sprained left wrist, batted .310 in 31 games last season with the Red Sox's Triple-A Pawtucket team.