Cubs strike trade with Athletics for pitching staff reunion that was all too obvious

Aaron Civale had the impression of a reunion candidate for the Chicago Cubs when he was designated for assignment earlier this week by the Athletics, and Jed Hoyer and Co. have indeed made that move.

The Cubs jumped the line, trading for Civale instead of letting the waiver process play out. In exchange, the Cubs are sending right-hander pitcher Aiden Moffett to the Athletics.

Trading for Aaron Civale starts a busy few weeks for Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs

Moffett was an undrafted signing for the Cubs last summer. He made his professional debut this season, and had an ERA of 7.71 through 15 appearances at Class-A.

Civale was a late addition to the Cubs' pitching staff last season, joining the team for the final month of the regular season. He posted a 2.08 in a limited sample with the Cubs, striking out 28% of the hitters he faced.

Hoyer has already confirmed that adding to the pitching staff is the focus for the Cubs ahead of the trade deadline on August 3. There likely will be several moves between now and the deadline. The Cubs certainly have a need in the rotation, but adding more established options in the bullpen feels lile a rising priority.

Craig Counsell provided an injury update on Friday, and of the starting pitchers expected back this season, Jameson Taillon is the closest. Taillon is expected to be reinstated in time to make a start against the Detroit Tigers next week. After that, Edward Cabrera is expected back around the second week of August, and Ben Brown likely a few weeks after that.

As for the immediate role of Civale, chances are he will be pitching out of the bullpen. The unit has been patched together in recent weeks, considering the injuries to Daniel Palencia and Hoby Milner. Milner is expected back around the start of August, while Palencia's best-case scenario is the middle of next month. No, Civale won't be a high-leverage option in the bullpen, but he offers much-needed length.

A corresponding move will need to be made to add Civale to the 26-man roster, and chances are it will mark the end of Drew Pomeranz's latest run with the Cubs. His ERA since his return to Chicago is up to 9.64 after recording just one out against the Twins on Friday while giving up one run on one hit and two walks.

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