Melissa Tamez/AP Photos
The Cubs’ first trade of the offseason targeted an obvious positional need, acquiring right-handed reliever Eli Morgan from the Guardians in exchange for minor-league outfielder Alfonsin Rosario, the team announced Wednesday afternoon. To make room on the roster, the Cubs are designating slugger Patrick Wisdom for assignment.
As a member of the Guardians’ MLB-leading bullpen this past season, Morgan recorded a 1.93 ERA in 32 games. He would have pitched more if it hadn’t been for two stints on the injured list, one for what the team called right shoulder inflammation and the other right elbow inflammation.