March 10--The Cubs released reliever Rex Brothers Thursday, choosing to pay a $232,000 termination fee after signing the left-hander for $1.42 million over the winter.
Brothers, the former Rockies pitcher, pitched in three spring games, allowing three runs over 2 2/3 innings for a 10.13 earned-run average. He threw four wild pitches in one inning against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.
"We just didn't see him fitting in right now and thought it would be the most fair to him to get him out there earlier which would then permit him to work out the best deal (elsewhere)," manager Joe Maddon said. "Of course he struggled with command, but he's got a big arm."
The Cubs' roster is at 39, and 63 players remain in camp.
