The Cubs added even more bullpen depth Tuesday, this time by acquiring righty Travis Lakins from the Red Sox in exchange for either cash or a player to be named later. The 25-year-old reliever debuted with Boston last season and appeared in 16 games with three “starts,” compiling a 3.86 ERA with a 3.64 FIP.
That may not jump off the page, but reading between the lines of his usage gives us a better idea of what the Cubs might be looking for here. Those starts referenced above were as an opener, with Lakins pitching no more than two innings in each before giving way to a bulk pitcher.