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CINCINNATI — The Cubs are trading right-handed reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to the Yankees for two prospects, right-hander Jack Neely and infielder Ben Cowles, a source confirmed.
Leiter originally joined the Cubs as a starter who could also provide multiple innings out of the bullpen. But over the past three seasons, he’s developed into one of the Cubs’ most reliable high-leverage relievers. Because of how effective his splitter plays against batters on both sides, the Cubs have used him against left-handed heavy pockets of opposing lineups.
The Cubs only have one left-handed reliever on their active roster, veteran Drew Smyly, with rookie Luke Little (strained left shoulder) on the 60-day IL and likely out for the season.