March 05--MESA, Ariz. -- Manager Joe Maddon made no secret of the Chicago Cubs' search for a left-handed reliever, and they might have found one in Phil Coke.
According to tweets by Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs have agreed to a minor league deal with Coke, who will report to major league camp.
Coke, 32, has a lifetime 4.16 ERA in seven seasons with the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. Coke has limited left-handers to a .243 batting average.
"It's not a big secret that we're seeking kind of a left-handed kind of specialist," said Maddon, who wouldn't confirm the signing. "It's nice to have that lefty that's able to get out the righty. And I've seen Phil Coke a lot in the past. He was able to get out righties and has a good breaking ball, too."
Right-handed batters are batting .303 lifetime against Coke, who was 5-2 with a 3.88 ERA in 62 appearances for the Tigers last season.
Among the left-handed relievers in the Cubs' camp are Zac Rosscup, Drake Britton, Joseph Ortiz and Francisley Bueno.
