The Chicago Cubs are calling up an arm from Triple-A Iowa, but it won't be a top prospect.
Per Jesse Rogers of ESPN, The team is promoting 34-year-old former All-Star Shane Greene, who the Cubs signed to a minor league deal in June. Greene, who has been mostly a reliever/closer in his career, is flourishing as a starter with Iowa, producing a 2.16 ERA in five outings.
“September call-up news: The Cubs are promoting veteran righty Shane Greene, 34, who has been starting at Triple-A Iowa, sources tell ESPN. He hasn't started a big-league game since 2016. In the interim, he's saved 67, mostly for the Tigers. Story of great perseverance.”
It's unknown if the Cubs will use him in their rotation or not, but it's certainly possible. Perhaps a long relief-type role could also be in the cards. Greene initially made his MLB debut way back in 2014 with the New York Yankees and was a starter for them for two years before transitioning to the bullpen.
Once he went to the Detroit Tigers, the righty turned into a closer. He had 23 total saves and an ERA of just over 1.00 in 2019, which earned him an All-Star appearance. Greene most recently pitched in the majors with the Bronx Bombers and the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, but it was very brief.
Given Greene's experience in a variety of roles, this is a solid move for the Cubs, who are in the heart of the playoff race in the National League right now and should be a Wild Card team at the very least if they continue to play well.