Rumors: Diamondbacks to scout Cubs’ pitcher Jeff Samardzija

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In the wake of Arizona Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin’s damaged left ulnar collateral ligament, the club will scout Chicago Cubs’ right-hander Jeff Samardzija, reports 670 the Score’s Bruce Levine.

Levine also notes, the Cubs would ask for young starter Archie Bradley in return for the Notre Dame product.

"The Cubs would likely begin by asking for Bradley, who is close to major league ready.Bradley was the Diamondbacks’ top pick in the 2011 amateur draft (seventh pick overall). He was 12- 5 in the minor leagues last season and is expected to start this season in Triple-A. The Diamondbacks coveted Samardzija in the offseason and had discussions with the Cubs before signing Bronson Arroyo as a free agent for the rotation."

Samardzija, 29, went 8-13 with a 4.34 ERA last season, but posted a 9.0 K/9 rate while pitching over 200 innings for the first time in his six-year career. The Cubs have named Samardzija their Opening Day starter even though they were unable to agree to a contract extension. Samardzija will obtain $5.35 million in 2014 and will be under his final arbitration at the end of this season and could become a free-agent following the 2015 season.

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