Cubs DFA two relievers in flurry of roster moves

The Chicago Cubs made several moves as rosters expanded today, among them designating relievers James Russell and Rafael Soriano for assignment, the team announced.

The moves were necessary because the Cubs added outfielder Quentin Berry and pitcher Trevor Cahill to the 40-man roster. The Cubs also added recently-acquired outfielder Austin Jackson to the active roster along with catcher David Ross, infielder Javier Baez and pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada.

Russell appeared in 49 games for the Cubs this season, his sixth with the club, pitching 34 innings with a 5.29 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, walking nine and striking out 20. He has a 3.90 ERA in 330⅓ innings in his career, nearly all of them for Chicago save for a brief spell with the Braves last season.

The Cubs signed Soriano on June 9 and he made just six appearances for the team before going on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. The 35-year-old allowed four runs in 5⅔ innings with Chicago, walking one and striking out four.

Chicago will replace Russell and Soriano in the bullpen with Wada on the left side and Cahill on the right. Wada started seven games for the Cubs this season, posting a 3.73 ERA in 31⅓ innings, walking 11 and striking out 31. He had a 3.95 ERA in 16 starts at Triple-A Iowa as well.

Cahill signed with the Cubs on August 18 after compiling a 7.52 ERA in 26⅓ innings with the Braves this year, making three starts and a dozen relief appearances. He has made five appearances at Iowa since signing with the Cubs, pitching 7⅔ scoreless innings.

In addition to the moves in the bullpen, Jackson and Berry will add outfield depth for Chicago, and Baez will start at second base today in his first action for the big league club this season.