Former D-back Josh Collmenter gets minor-league deal from Cubs

Josh Collmenter was the Opening Day starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015.

Just 16 months later, he was designated for assignment and waived by the organization.

But it didn’t take the right-hander very long to find a new team.

Collmenter is getting a minor-league deal from the Cubs, as he hasn't pitched in a couple weeks. Expected to be a factor down the stretch.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 10, 2016

The 30-year-old right-hander started the season on the disabled list for the D-backs, finally making his debut May 27. Collmenter pitched in 15 games for Arizona, logging 22.1 innings of work. He allowed 21 hits and 12 earned runs for an ERA of 4.84 — although all 12 of the earned runs were allowed in just three appearances.

The Diamondbacks were 1-14 in games in which Collmenter pitched, but it should be noted that they were trailing in every single one of his relief appearances — and by an average of 4.4 runs.

The Cubs are expected to get Collmenter ready in the minor leagues, but as Cotillo points out, he could be a flexible piece in their pitching staff for the stretch run. Chicago is currently 70-41, 12 games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the National League Central.

The former 15th-round draft pick could fill a long relief role for the Cubs, or give them a spot start if needed. Collmenter started 75 games for the D-backs since breaking into the big leagues in 2011.

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