Originally signed to a minor-league deal, LHP Richard Lovelady was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs earlier this week. Instead of losing him without compensation, the Cubs traded the lefty to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for LHP Jeff Belge.
Lovelady’s performance with the Cubs was underwhelming. In seven appearances, he pitched 5.2 innings with a 7.94 ERA. The lefty didn’t quite meet expectations during his time in Chicago, but now, at 28, he gets a fresh start with the Rays.
In exchange, Jeff Belge joins the Cubs organization. A career minor-leaguer originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Belge spent the last two seasons with the Rays. This season, in 11 appearances, he has a 4.20 ERA and has been playing in Double-A.
According to his scouting report, Belge complements his fastball with a hard 12-6 curveball and a slider.
Lovelady was initially designated for assignment by the Cubs when Tyson Miller was added to the roster.
