It's official: Cubs sign lefty reliever |
MESA – The Chicago Cubs and left-handed pitcher Tim Collins have agreed to terms on a 2019 contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Collins has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa. To make room for Collins on the 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Brian Duensing has been designated for assignment.
Collins, 29, is 12-17 with 48 holds and a 3.62 ERA (94 ER/233.2 IP) in 266 major league relief appearances with Kansas City (2011-14) and Washington (2018). He has limited foes to a .230 batting average, including a .224 mark vs. left-handed hitters and a .235 mark vs. righties. Collins has struck out 241 batters in 233.2 innings pitched. The southpaw returned to the big leagues last year with Washington after not pitching in the majors since 2014 due to a pair of Tommy John surgeries in 2015 and 2016. In his return with the Nationals last year, Collins posted no record with four holds and a 4.37 ERA (11 ER/22.2 IP) in 38 relief outings. He also made 30 relief appearances with Triple-A Syracuse, going 2-4 with a 3.94 ERA (14 ER/32.0 IP). A native of Worcester, Mass., Collins originally signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as a non-drafted free agent on July 27, 2007. Duensing, 36, has gone 4-1 with one save and a 4.59 ERA (51 ER/100.0 IP) in 116 relief outings with the Cubs covering the last two seasons. He also pitched with Minnesota (2009-15) and Baltimore (2016) prior to joining the Cubs. Chicago’s 40-man roster stands at 40 players. The #Cubs and LHP Tim Collins have agreed to terms on a 2019 contract. Collins has been optioned to @IowaCubs.
Theo really high on Tim Collins who they just picked up. Tried to trade for him last year. He, Kyle Ryan and Randy Rosario will all contribute from the left side this season.
Theo said it’s likely the opening day roster is in camp now but you never know. Mark Zagunis is the final outfielder.
To make room for Collins on the 40-man roster, LHP Brian Duensing has been designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/GBXeh3Zw2Q
