CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs claimed pitcher Julian Merryweather off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.
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 went 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA and four saves in 14 relief appearances for Chicago last year.
Merryweather was designated for assignment by Toronto last week.
The 31-year-old Merryweather, a fifth-round pick by Cleveland in the 2014 amateur draft, made his big league debut with the Blue Jays in 2020. He is 0-4 with a 5.64 ERA and two saves in 47 career games.