CHICAGO -- The Cubs sold the contract of right-handed pitcher Spencer Patton to the Yokohama BayStars team in Japan. With the move, the Cubs' 40-man roster now is at 37.
Patton, 28, made 16 relief appearances for the Cubs in 2016, compiling a 5.48 ERA by giving up 13 earned runs over 21 1/3 innings. He served up 20 hits and walked 14 while striking out 22. The right-hander had a 0.75 ERA in 35 appearances at Triple-A Iowa, giving up three earned runs over 36 innings and striking out 59.
The Cubs acquired Patton from the Rangers in November 2015 for Minor League infielder Frandy De La Rosa.
Patton thanked the Cubs with a post on Twitter, saying that pitching for the team was "an incredible experience." He added, "Getting to work for such a great organization was a blessing. Hope you continue to #FlyTheW!"
The right-hander said he was looking forward to the opportunity to not just play in Japan but also to grow, tweeting, "See you soon Yokohama!"