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Cubs claim left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw off waivers from San Diego

Right-handed pitcher Arodys Vzcaino transferred to 60-day DL

CINCINNATI – The Chicago Cubs today claimed left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw off waivers from the San Diego Padres. To make room for Hinshaw on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Arodys Vizcaino has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Hinshaw was selected by the San Diego Padres, May 8, and went 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA (14 ER/28.0 IP) in 31 relief appearances, marking his first big league action since 2009. He struck out 36 in 28.0 innings of work, good for an average of 11.6 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched, while issuing 20 walks prior to being designated for assignment, August 14.

On the season, Hinshaw has limited hitters to a .217 batting average (23-for-106), including a .196 mark (9-for-46) by left-handed batters. The southpaw allowed four earned runs in 2.0 innings, June 29 at Colorado, and pitched to a 3.46 ERA (10 ER/26.0 IP) in his other 30 outings. He began the year with Triple-A Tucson, producing a 3.72 ERA (8 ER/19.1 IP) in 14 relief appearances prior to his promotion.

Hinshaw is 3-2 with a 4.52 ERA (37 ER/73.2 IP) in 88 career major league relief appearances with the San Francisco Giants (2008-09) and the Padres (2012). He has struck out 85 in 73.2 innings of work, good for an average of 10.4 strikeouts per 9.0 innings.

Originally selected by San Francisco in the 15th round of the 2005 Draft, Hinshaw is 14-11 with a 3.84 ERA (137 ER/321.1 IP) in 240 career minor league appearances, all but 15 as a reliever. He has averaged 11.1 strikeouts per 9.0 innings in the minors, striking out 395 batters in 321.1 innings of work.

Vizcaino, 21, was acquired by Chicago from Atlanta, July 30 of this season, in a four-player deal. He had Tommy John surgery during Spring Training and will miss the 2012 season, but is expected to be ready for 2013 Spring Training.

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