Cubs Claim Pitcher Jack Leathersich Off Waivers from Mets

The Chicago Cubs today claimed left-handed pitcher Jack Leathersich off waivers from the New York Mets. The club's 40-man roster now stands at 32 players.

Leathersich, 25, went 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA (3 ER/11.2 IP) in 17 relief appearances for the Mets last season, his first appearance at the major league level. He struck out 14 in 11.2 innings and tossed scoreless ball in 14 of his 17 outings before requiring Tommy John ligament replacement surgery at the end of July.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound southpaw was originally selected by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2011 Draft out of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. He is 9-9 with seven saves and a 3.55 ERA (83 ER/210.2 IP) in 160 relief appearances covering five seasons in the Mets minor league system.