Cubs get much-needed bullpen help in trades with D’Backs and Red Sox

The NL Central-leading Cubs needed a left-hander in their bullpen and found one on Monday in Andrew Chafin

The Chicago Cubs solidified their struggling bullpen on Monday, acquiring veteran left-hander Andrew Chafin from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The 30-year-old Chafin has an 8.10 ERA in 11 games for the Diamondbacks this season but has shown improvement lately. Since surrendering three runs without getting an out on July 29 against Texas, he’s allowed just two runs over his last seven appearances. A strikeout specialist with a four-seam, slider, and sinker combo, he’s striking out 13.5 batters per nine innings. Opponents are hitting just .152 off his slider over the last two seasons.

Chafin has a record of being a dependable left-hander in his time with the Diamondbacks. He led all left-handers with 225 appearances between 2017-19 and was 14th in strikeout rate (27.7 percent) and 21st in ERA (3.46). He hasn’t pitched since Aug. 17 and is currently on the IL with a finger sprain.

Chafin wasn’t the only bullpen addition the Cubs made on Monday

When he returns, he’ll become the best option for Cubs manager David Ross out of the bullpen. The Cubs have two left-handers in their bullpen, Kyle Ryan and converted starter Jose Quintana. Ryan has been largely ineffective, surrendering six runs in seven innings this season. The Cubs bullpen in total ranks 26th in the league with a 5.42 ERA.

Chicago also added Josh Osich of the Red Sox, another lefty, to their bullpen on Monday. Osich has a 5.74 ERA in 2020, but should provide even more support against left-handed hitters for a ‘pen that struggles on a consistent basis.

At 20-14, the Cubs currently lead the NL Central by 3.5 games over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Diamondbacks and Red Sox are clear sellers at the deadline, and their moves on Monday further exemplify that.