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Some Grimm news coming out of Chicago (badum tissssh), the Cubs have released reliever Justin Grimm, reports Jesse Rogers of ESPN.
The 29-year old was not showing signs of a comeback this spring, giving up two home runs, six hits, four walks, and earning a of 9.00 ERA. Bonus: that was all allowed in four appearances this spring. Not exactly coming out of the gates with vengeance.
Grimm was a mainstay in Chicago’s bullpen, holding his own since being acquired from the Rangers in The Great Matt Garza deal of 2013. However, he’s had a rocky last few seasons, including a 2017 that saw him going 1-2 with a 5.53 ERA in 50 appearances. He was not apart of Chicago’s playoff roster last year.
By releasing Grimm now before he’s added to an Opening Day roster, the Cubs only need to pay him only $541,000 in termination pay. Grimm lost his arbitration case against the Cubs this year, so maybe a fresh start elsewhere is the best look.
Grimm’s glory isn’t that far removed. He was lights out in 2015, chalking up a 1.99 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. He has a lot of good big league experience and could be a low risk move for a team in need of bullpen depth and willing to gamble a little on his velo.
The move is a good one for Justin Hancock, Shae Simmons, and Anthony Bass, who now all have a higher chance of becoming a bullpen pillar and filling the need of an additional arm.