CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs claimed pitcher Julian Merryweather off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.
Merryweather appeared in 26 games for Toronto last season, going 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA. The 6-foot-4 right-hander struck out 23 in 26 2/3 innings.
To make room for Merryweather on the 40-man roster, right-hander Manuel Rodriguez was designated for assignment. Rodriguez, 26, went 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA and four saves in 14 relief appearances for Chicago last year. All told, across two seasons, he posted a 4.88 ERA in 34 games for the Cubs, striking out 24 and walking 21 in 31 1/3 innings.