Cubs Reliever Possible Target for Rangers

Spencer Howard’s outing Friday only further reinforced the Texas Rangers’ need to address its bullpen as the Aug. 1 trade deadline approaches.

Howard made his first appearance of the season since returning from injury and gave up four hits and four runs in 1/3 inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in an 8-3 loss. The Rangers sent him back to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday and called up Yerry Rodriguez.

The Rangers rotation has insulated the bullpen to some degree, with Texas relievers have thrown fewer innings than any other bullpen in baseball. They’ve also struck out fewer hitters than any bullpen and have taken 11 of the Rangers’ last 16 losses.

The bullpen needs help and the Rangers don’t have to be shy about asking teams that might be on the bubble of contending like the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs need a surge to get back into postseason contention in the next month. Otherwise, they may look to unload some of its talent, and that could include the bullpen. Recently, MLB.com put together a list of eight potential trade chips that have gotten hot of late and might interest other teams.

Cubs reliever Julian Merryweather made the list.

He just joined the Cubs after being designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays in January. With the Blue Jays, he went 0-4 with a 5.64 ERA in 47 games, including five starts as an opener.

With the Cubs, he’s experienced a bit of a renaissance. Per MLB.com:

Following a rough April, Merryweather has been very effective recently, posting a 1.32 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 13 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old is under club control for three more years, but just as the Cubs dealt Scott Effross a year ago, Chicago could take advantage of the relief market if Merryweather continues to pitch well.

He’s 1-0 with a career-low 3.76 ERA. He’s struck out 36 and walked 12, and while he’s allowed as many hits (26) as innings pitched, he’s only given up 11 runs.

Plus, he has controllable years left since he’s not eligible for free agency.

The Cubs have to figure out if they’re contenders first. If they fall out of the National League race, Merryweather may be worth a phone call for the Rangers.

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