PITTSBURGH _ The Cubs acquired veteran reliever Brandon Kintzler from the Nationals before Tuesday's trade deadline.
The Cubs will send pitcher Jhon Romero, 23, who is 1-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 32 appearances with Class A Myrtle Beach, to the Nationals.
In a corresponding move, reliever Justin Hancock will be transferred from the 10-day disabled list to the 60-day DL to make room for Kintzler on the 40-man roster.
Kintzler, who turns 34 on Wednesday, is 1-2 with a 3.59 ERA and two saves in 45 appearances. Kintzler, a nine-year veteran, has allowed only one home run in his last 43 appearances. Kintzler has a lifetime 3.30 ERA with the Brewers, Twins and Nationals. Hewas named to the 2017 American League All-Star team with the Twins, with whom he posted a 2.78 ERA in 45 games before he was dealt to the Nationals a year ago for minor-leaguer Tyler Watson and international bonus slot money.
Kintzler will be owed about $1.6 million for the remainder of the 2018 season, plus a mutual option for 2019.
The Athletic first reported that a deal was imminent.
