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CHICAGO (AP) — The playoff-contending Chicago Cubs acquired struggling reliever Fernando Rodney from the Seattle Mariners for cash Thursday, reuniting the exuberant closer with manager Joe Maddon.
The 38-year-old Rodney had been designated for assignment by Seattle last Sunday.
Rodney was 5-5 and had gone 16 for 22 in save chances this season. The right-hander had a 5.68 ERA in 54 games.
Rodney was an AL All-Star last year when he posted a Mariners-record 48 saves.
The Cubs lead San Francisco by 5 1/2 games for the NL's second wild-card spot. Chicago has tried to bolster its bullpen during the season, getting Rafael Soriano and Tommy Hunter.
Maddon was enthused to have Rodney, known for his shoot-the-arrow pantomime after he finishes off saves. In 2012, Maddon was managing Tampa Bay when Rodney was its closer and had an 0.60 ERA and 48 saves
"I've been around Fernando," Maddon told reporters after the Cubs lost to the Giants 9-1 Thursday. "I was there that year when he had the best in history."
"He's got the kind of stuff to get out both righties and lefties. I know he had trouble a bit this year, but I'm eager to see him in person and find out what's going on," he said.
Maddon said he'd talked to Rodney after the deal was made.
"He sounds really good. We'll see when we get him down here, get him in a game," Maddon said. "He still has the good fastball, outstanding changeup, and he's a great teammate. He's a lot of fun to have on the team, so I'm looking forward to that."
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