The Cubs picked up former Red Sox relief standout Junichi Tazawa this winter on a minor league deal in the hopes that he’d recapture his old form. He did exactly that, allowing no runs on just two hits with nine strikeouts over 5.2 innings. Despite mighty struggles by at least two other veteran relievers, the strong spring from Tazawa apparently wasn’t enough.
The transaction hasn’t been reported by the Cubs or any beat writers, but MLB insider Chris Cotillo tweeted Saturday morning that Tazawa had been released.
If the Red Sox want to make an external relief addition, here's an option: Old friend Junichi Tazawa.