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Brian Duensing had a great 2017 season with the Cubs and then he actually took less money to re-sign with them on a two-year deal starting in 2018. However, the lefty was just awful in 2018 and as we saw with Ian Happ, with no signs of improvement during spring training, Duensing has been DFA’d.
The 36-year-old had a 7.65 ERA in 37.2 innings last season. The Cubs still owe him $3.5 million in 2019. The Cubs also signed lefty Tim Collins to a one-year deal, but he was optioned to Triple-A.
Cubs have signed lefty Tim Collins, optioned to AAA, to make room on 40-man, Duensing has been DFA'd. Duensing could still remain with org if he clears waivers, which is likely since he's making $3.5m.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) March 24, 2019
So, with the series of moves the Cubs bullpen is becoming a little more clear. Mike Montgomery is the only lefty penciled in to make Joe Maddon’s pen and with Duensing DFA’d it’ll come down to Randy Rosario and Kyle Ryan to be the second left-hander come Opening Day.
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Maddon said he wants two lefties in the pen so Kyle Ryan and Randy Rosario are in the running with Mike Montgomery. Don't think Collins will make it right away. Collins was in Twins camp. Will pitch today
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) March 24, 2019
The Cubs may also look to the trade market to add another lefty. They’ve recently linked to Giants lefty Tony Watson.
