Texas Rangers Claim Jeff Beliveau Off Waivers

Well crud.

LHP Jeff Beliveau, who was recently waived from the Cubs’ 40-man roster to make room for Ian Stewart, has been claimed by the Texas Rangers.

Beliveau played 22 games for the Cubs last season going 1-0 and posting a 4.58 ERA with 8.7 K/9 and 6.1 BB/9 in 17.2 innings.

Sept 11, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jeff Beliveau (16) pitches against the Houston Astros during the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

There was a lot of risk associated with the waive considering the potential upside of Beliveau and the Cubs ended up on the wrong side of the coin. Beliveau’s loss has bigger implications with the team as it leaves James Russell as the lone lefty in the bullpen.

Epstein has always commented on the fact he wants more lefties at his disposal and the loss of Beliveau hinders the rebuild process. Expect LHP Travis Wood to now slot in to the bullpen to fill the void that Beliveau leaves behind.

Beliveau was considered one of the better, if not best, left handed reliever the Cubs had at their disposal. His pitch selection was the true weapon as he’s never had significant amounts of power.

Will the Cubs’ interest in LHP now heat up even further? Hard to say at this point, but you can bet the front office is taking note.

Take solace in the fact that the Cubs have been trying to get a hold of J.P. Howell, who could easily make us forget our woes about losing Beliveau.