Justin Grimm to compete for Chicago Cubs bullpen spot, says Epstein

July 12, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher

(51) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Pitchers and catchers reported to Mesa yesterday, and some important stories are starting to break.  One of  those stories revolved around pitcher Justin Grimm, who will be moved to the bullpen, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.

Acquired from the Rangers as a piece in the Matt Garza deal, the 25-year-old Grimm started out in the minors for the Cubs after posting a 6.37 ERA in 17 starts in the big leagues for Texas. He was a September call-up for the Cubs, and pitched in nine innings, posting an ERA of 2.00 and striking out eight hitters.

A move to the bullpen could come as a benefit to Grimm, who is trying to crack the Cubs’ Opening Day roster. His stuff isn’t exceptional, but he strikes out hitters at a decent rate and doesn’t allow a ton of home runs, averaging 1.4 HR/9 last season. However, he pitched at one of the best hitters parks in the league for most of last season, in the form of the Ballpark at Arlington.

The Cubs used Grimm out of the bullpen last season in the majors, and the speculation that he would be permanently moved there in 2014 has now ended, following Theo Epstein’s remarks at yesterday’s Spring Training presser.