Jan. 24--The Chicago Cubs are the latest team for reliever Gonzalez German, who was claimed off waivers Friday from the Texas Rangers.
Germen, 27, pitched the past two seasons for the New York Mets, posting a 1-2 record and 4.31 ERA in 54 appearances. Germen has struck out 64 batters in 64-2/3 innings and limited right-handed batters to a .229 average.
The addition of Germen could provide the Cubs' bullpen with a much-welcomed different look while being surrounded by a plethora of hard throwers like closer Hector Rondon, Jason Motte, Neil Ramirez and Justin Grimm, as well as slider maven Pedro Strop.
Fangraphs stated that Germen had a 30.7 percent "whiff" rate on his changeup, second only to Joaquin Benoit (31.9) of the Detroit Tigers.
Germen was acquired by the New York Yankees in a trade with the Mets on Dec. 19 but traded to the Rangers on Tuesday for cash considerations.
One day later, Germen was designated for assignment by the Rangers after they acquired catcher Carlos Corporan in a trade with Houston.
With the addition of Germen, the Cubs' 40-man roster stands at 40.
