Carl

Edwards Jr.

Edwards is back in the fold with San Diego as emergency organizational relief depth after briefly exploring his options on the open market. The 32-year-old journeyman made just one relief appearance earlier this month for the Padres.

Edwards was designated for assignment by the Padres on Monday and went unclaimed on waivers. The 32-year-old’s velocity has been down this season and despite some success in Triple-A, he may not get another shot in the majors until next year, if at all.

Edwards made just one appearance for the Padres and it wasn’t a good one, though he went without giving up a run despite allowing a hit and two walks while facing three batters. His velocity is about 2-3 mph down from his prime right now, and he’s probably not worth a waiver claim at this point.

Edwards inked a minor league pact with San Diego back in and winds up getting the call back to the majors after posting a 3.30 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 45/29 K/BB ratio across 46 1/3 innings 926 appearances, six starts) this season in the minors. The 32-year-old journeyman righty has made 295 career appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2015.

Edwards was cut loose back in mid-June by the Cubs after spending the first couple months of the year stationed at Triple-A Iowa. The 32-year-old veteran right-hander could be an option for San Diego’s bullpen at some point after the All-Star break.

Edwards opted out of his minor league deal with the Cubs last month, but is back in the fold as extra relief depth at Triple-A Iowa. The 32-year-old righty made 89 relief appearances for the Nationals over the last two seasons and figures to be back at Wrigley Field in short order.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed Saturday that Edwards will head to free agency after failing to make Chicago’s season-opening roster. The 32-year-old righty signed a minor league deal with the Cubs back in late January.

Edwards rejoins the organization he debuted with in 2015. Pitching for the Nationals, the 32-year-old was excellent in 2022 (2.76 ERA in 62 IP) and pretty good in 2023 (3.69 ERA in 31 2/3 IP) before missing the final 3 1/2 months of last season with a stress reaction in his shoulder. He’s far from a sure thing at this point, but on a minor league contract, he’s a great get for the Cubs.

Edwards Jr. is finished for the remainder of the 2023 campaign after suffering a stress reaction in his right shoulder last week during a minor league rehab appearance.

Edwards Jr. came away from a minor league rehab appearance earlier this week not feeling right and some additional testing revealed a significant shoulder issue. The 31-year-old veteran reliever is likely done for the remainder of the 2023 campaign. He’s been on the shelf since mid-June due to shoulder inflammation.