Cubs claim Jack Leathersich off waivers from Mets

The Chicago Cubs have claimed 25-year-old left-handed relief pitcher Jack Leathersich off waivers from the Mets. Leathersich underwent Tommy John surgery in August and is likely to miss the 2016 season as he recovers.

Taken by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2011 amateur draft, Leathersich had shown some promise in the minors, posting gaudy strikeout totals—but worrisome walk numbers—at each minor league stop over his five-year tenure with the Mets.

Leathersich started the 2015 season with Triple-A Las Vegas and made his major league debut in April. He pitched in two games before the Mets sent him back to the minors, but they called him up again in mid-May. In total, he pitched 11.2 innings in the big leagues with a 2.31 ERA, again with high strikeout and walk rates.

WIth the deadline for protecting players for the Rule 5 draft approaching tomorrow, the Mets had clearly determined Leatherisch's 40-man roster spot would be better used on a different player.