The Cubs added depth to their bullpen Friday by signing free-agent reliever Tony Barnette to a one-year contract.
Barnette, 35, had a 3.50 ERA in 125 appearances with the Rangers (2016-18), including a 2.39 ERA and 0.911 WHIP in 22 appearances in 2018. He missed the second half of 2018 because of a right shoulder strain.
Barnette limited opponents to a .196 batting average (19 for 97), including a .167 mark (5 for 30) against left-handers and a .209 mark (14 for 67) mark against right-handed hitters.
Barnette's $750,000 base salary would increase to $1 million if he spends one day on the major-league active roster. His contract also includes incentives for games pitched and days spent on the major league roster. The team option for 2020 is $3 million.
Left-hander Ian Clarkin cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs' 40-man roster is at 39.
