Cubs claim pitcher Merryweather off waivers from Blue Jays

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs claimed pitcher Julian Merryweather off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Merryweather appeared in 26 games for Toronto last season, going 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA. The 6-foot-4 right-hander struck out 23 in 26 innings.

To make room for Merryweather on the 40-man roster, right-hander Manuel Rodriguez was designated for assignment. Rodriguez, 26, went 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA and four saves in 14 relief appearances for Chicago last year. All told, across two seasons, he posted a 4.88 ERA in 34 games for the Cubs, striking out 24 and walking 21 in 31 innings.

Merryweather was designated for assignment by Toronto last week. The 31-year-old pitcher, a fifth-round pick by Cleveland in the 2014 amateur draft, made his big league debut with the Blue Jays in 2020. He is 0-4 with a 5.64 ERA and two saves in 47 career games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.