Chicago Cubs: Five intriguing non-roster invitees to keep an eye on

Chicago Cubs: Another veteran no-risk addition in the mix

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Thirty-two-year-old reliever Junichi Tazawa had a solid three-year run with the Boston Red Sox from 2012-2014. In those three years, he put up a 2.62 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 2.77 FIP, 9.3 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9 in 175 1/3 innings.

Since then it has been a major struggle. From 2015-2018 he totaled a 5.02 ERA, 1.4 WHIP and 4.36 FIP in 191 2/3 innings between the Red Sox, Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Angels. His 7.07 ERA last year was a career worst and has had a season ERA no lower than 4.14 since 2014. Long story short he has been trending in the wrong direction the past four seasons.

There really is not a reason to be overly optimistic, but he will get a chance to prove himself again in spring ball. He is at least worth noting because of the fact he’s been successful at the big league level in the past and sometimes long-time struggling veterans just find it again.