RADIO
The Chicago Cubs made a late move at the MLB trade deadline for a reliever. They acquired Tommy Hunter from the Baltimore Orioles for Junior Lake, according to The Baltimore Sun.
The acquisition of Hunter gives the Cubs an extra arm in the bullpen as they are in the midst of a chase for the postseason. Hunter, 29, has a 3.63 ERA with 32 strikeouts over 44 2/3 relief innings this season. The right-hander will likely be used somewhere in the middle of games.
Throughout his eight-year career, Hunter has been used both as a starter and a reliever. He's been best in his last three seasons out of the bullpen in Baltimore. In 2013, he had a 2.81 ERA, which was followed by a 2.97 ERA and the 3.63 ERA this year.
Lake, 25, is currently in the minors but has big league experience. During his rookie campaign, the outfielder had a .284 BA with 6 HR and 16 RBI. He followed that with a rough sophomore experience batting .211 though his power numbers and RBI total increased to 9 and 25. In 21 games this season, Lake had a .224 BA with 1 HR and 5 RBI over 58 at-bats. A change in scenery could be beneficial.
The Cubs are two games out of the second Wild Card spot, which would likely be the only way they get into the playoffs because they are 10 1/2 games out of first place in the National League Central. Meanwhile, the Orioles are six games out of first place in the American League East but two games behind the Minnesota Twins for the second Wild Card spot. Both moves could help each team down the final stretch of the 2015 season.
