Former Phillies starter leaves Cubs to explore MLB free agency

Former Phillies starter leaves Cubs to explore MLB free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>The talk of the season for the Chicago Cubs has been the pitching staff.

>Of course, injuries have derailed Chicago's starting rotation. Still, the NL Central club maintains a Wild Card spot in the National League.

>On Tuesday, the Cubs lost a veteran pitcher to free agency. The right-hander rejected an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa after being designated for assignment on Sunday.

>According to a report from Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors, Vince Velasquez elected free agency instead of remaining with the organization.

>"This is the second time Velasquez has elected free agency after being outrighted by the Cubs," Franco wrote.

>"He quickly re-signed last time on a minor league contract. That’ll probably be the case again. This is Velasquez’s first season with some MLB action in three years."

>Velasquez made two appearances with the Cubs, totaling 3.1 innings. He struck out one batter and allowed one hit.

>From 2016-21, the 34-year-old was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies rotation but never posted an ERA below 4.85.

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>As Franco noted, Velasquez may be back with the Cubs in the next few days on a minor league deal.

>Or another club could see an opportunity to give him a chance.

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