Reds Claim Brett Marshall on Waivers from Chicago Cubs

The Cincinnati Reds claimed right-handed pitcher Brett Marshall off waivers from the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday afternoon, tweets MLB.com’s Cubs reporter Carrie Muskat.

Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Marshall, who was claimed by the Cubs on Dec. 23 from the New York Yankees after they had designated for assignment to make room for Carlos Beltran, was officially a Cub for 51 days. The Reds announced via Twitter they have designated infielder Henry Rodriguez for assignment to make room for Marshall on their 40-man roster.

This move appears to be one that could open a roster spot for the officially unsigned Jason Hammel, who agreed to an one-year deal worth six million plus one million in incentives on Jan. 31.

The 31-year-old spent last season with the Baltimore Orioles and went 7-8. In 139 1/3 innings, Hammel posted a 4.97 ERA and 1.23 WHIP while striking out 96 and walking 48.

Hammel looks to take the third spot behind Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood, and Edwin Jackson with Jake Arrieta likely to take the fifth spot. On a one-year deal, Hammel fits the mid-season trade option for the Cubs like Paul Maholm and Scott Feldman the past two years.

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