Cubs claim Gutierrez off waivers, designate Recker

The Cubs claimed right-hander Carlos Gutierrez off waivers from the Twins on Wednesday, designating catcher Anthony Recker for assignment.

Gutierrez, 26, went 15-20 with a 4.11 ERA the last five seasons in the Twins' Minor League system after being selected by the club in the first round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. He has made 136 Minor League appearances, 32 of which have been starts.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound righty went 2-2 with a 5.06 ERA in 10 relief appearances last season with Triple-A Rochester, before a right shoulder injury ended his season in June. He had surgery in July and resumed throwing earlier this month.

Recker was acquired by the Cubs from the Athletics on Aug. 27, batting .167 in nine games with the Cubs.