Dec. 18--The Cubs acquired minor league pitcher Matt Brazis from the Mariners on Wednesday for outfielder Justin Ruggiano.
Brazis, 25, has a career 2.89 earned-run average in 100 appearances, including a 1.64 ERA in 17 games in 2014 for Double-A Jackson.
The move opens up a roster spot for an outfielder and clears some salary. The Cubs still are looking for a left fielder, probably via trade, and have been adamant about adding a veteran with leadership skills.
Brazis, who was drafted in the 28th round out of Boston College in 2012, will give the Cubs some minor league bullpen depth. Ruggiano hit .281 last year in a part-time role after being acquired from the Marlins.
The Cubs also named their minor league staffs, promoting Kane County manager Mark Johnson to their high-A team in Myrtle Beach, Fla., while retaining most of their key minor league managers and coaches.
Johnson guided Kane County to the Midwest League title last year, and takes over a team that has moved from Daytona. Dave Keller, the Daytona manager and a 30-year veteran in coaching and managing, becomes the Latin America field coordinator.
Jimmy Gonzalez takes over at South Bend, while Mike Cather becomes the Triple-A Iowa pitching coach after serving in the same capacity for the Padres' Triple-A team.
Former Cubs outfielder Darnell McDonald was named to the new position of minor league "mental skills coach," and will work with the young players throughout the organization on the mental side of the game.
The Cubs fired team psychologist Marc Strickland, who roved the minors, before the 2014 season.
