After landing their big free agent outfielder Wednesday, the Cubs went back to adding desperately needed pitching to their incomplete roster, signing veteran reliever David Robertson to a $3.5 million, one-year deal.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs put reliever Codi Heuer (Tommy John surgery) on the 60-day injured list.
Robertson, who turns 37 the first week of the season, was an All-Star setup man for the Yankees and and 30-plus-save closer for the Yankees and White Sox during his prime.
But after producing a 3.23 ERA during a 69-appearance 2018 season for the 100-win Yankees, he underwent Tommy John surgery the following season and has appeared in just 19 games since ’18.
The right-hander signed with the Rays last August after returning from surgery to pitch for Team USA in the Olympics, pitching 12 games for the American League East-champion Rays with a 4.50 ERA (12 strikeouts per nine innings) — adding three scoreless appearances during the playoffs.
The 13-year veteran has a 2.93 career ERA with 11.9 Ks per nine (3.11, 10.0 in 33 career postseason appearances).
He provides depth in the staff and experience the Cubs have sought for a what otherwise is a young bullpen.
