Cubs sign LHP Jonathan Sanchez to minor league deal

The Chicago Cubs signed free agent left-hander Jonathan Sanchez to a minor league deal late Wednesday evening, according to a source from Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.

Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Sullivan also reports that deal includes incentives if Sanchez makes the major league roster.

Sanchez, 31, threw a no-hitter in 2009 against the San Diego Padres and went 13-9 with a 3.07 ERA for the 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants. He notched 205 punch outs in 193 1/3 innings of work, posting a 1.231 WHIP – a career best – and a 3.7 WAR.

Following his career year in 2010 he has fallen into disfavor, he had an 8.07 ERA in 64 2/3 innings with the Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies in 2012. He posted an 11.85 ERA in four starts and one relief appearance this past season for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Although he has pitched primarily as a starter during his big league career, the Cubs are eyeing him as a potential left-handed option out of the bullpen, joining the several other left-handed options in the relief corps.

The Cubs already have left-handers James Russell, Wesley Wright, Zac Rosscup, and Brooks Raley in their bullpen, so they could look to trade Sanchez next Summer for prospects.

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