Chicago Cubs: Where are they now? Vol. 2

Dan Straily

The last guy in this edition is a very brief Cub. Dan Straily was sort of “the other guy” in the Addison Russell/Jeff Samardzija/Jason Hammel swap. He came over from the A’s in early July of 2014 and only made one start with the Cubs. He gave up seven runs in five-plus innings, taking the loss. Straily made six other relief appearances, and they were not memorable. In a total of seven games with the Cubs, he gave up 18 ER in 13.2 innings, with nine BB, 13 K, and an 11.85 ERA. However, Straily was instrumental in playing a key part of the Cubs over the next two seasons.

In January of 2015, Luis Valbuena, along with Straily, was traded to the Astros for Dexter Fowler. It’s no secret the impact that Fowler brought to the Cubs for two years, being a stalwart at the top of the order and playing a decent enough center field.

Next: Cubs sweep Braves, Bryant questionable

Since leaving the Cubs, Dan has bounced around. After his brief stint with the Astros, he was traded to the Padres. And before even pitching a game with the Padres, they designated him for assignment, in which the Reds picked him up. Straily had a breakout year with the Reds, pitching to a 3.76 ERA in 191.1 innings, striking out 162, while walking 73. Then, after the Reds, he was yet again. Yep, traded. This time to the Marlins, where he has been even better this season. Currently, he’s pitching to a 3.32 ERA, in 108.1 innings, with 98 strikeouts, and just 29 walks. Straily seems to get better with more experience. Good for him.