Cubs Claim Leathersich
Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors reported Thursday that the Chicago Cubs have claimed left-handed Relief Pitcher Jack Leathersich off waivers from the New York Mets. Leathersich underwent Tommy John season in the previous season but could be game ready later in the 2016 season.
Leathersich was a fifth-round pick and make his Major League debut with the Mets in 2015. He had a very brief stint in the big leagues before succumbing to injury with only 11 2/3 innings. Over that span he gave up three runs on twelve hits while maintaining a 14-7 Strikeout to Walk ratio. Leathersich made some noise after averaging 15.2 strikeouts per nine innings in the minors.
Leathersich has yeilded some concerns over his control issues after averaging 4.9 walks per nine innings in the minors. There have also been mentions of the lefty not being able to get other lefties out. Leathersich is 25 years old, and will start the season on the 60-day disabled list.
Brewers Acquire Villar
According to Chris Cotillo of the MLB Daily Dish the Milwaukee Brewers have traded with the Houston Astros for Shortstop, Jonathan Villar, the Astros will receive right-handed pitcher Cy Sneed. The deal was the first trade made between Houston’s General Manager Jeff Luhnow and new Milwaukee General Manager David Stearns, a former assistant of Luhnow’s.
Villar played 53 games for the Astros last season hitting .284 with two home-runs. He played Shortstop, Third Base, Second Base, Left Field and Center field last season, but his primary positions are Shortstop and Third Base. Villar spent three years in Houston hitting .236 lifetime. Houston no longer needed Villar with Carlos Correa and Luis Valbuena covering the infield’s left side.
Sneed was a third round pick of the Brewers in 2014. Sneed played for Single-A Wisconsin and High-A Brevard County last season ending with a 2.58 ERA in 26 appearances. Sneed is 23 years old, he is 6’4 and was not ranked by MLB.com as the organizations top 30 prospects when the deal was made.
KANSAS CITY, MO – MAY 28: Jonathan Villar #6 of the Houston Astros slides safely into home to score as catcher Brett Hayes #12 of the Kansas City Royals waits for the ball during the 2nd inning of the game at Kauffman Stadium on May 28, 2014 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
