UPDATE: The Cubs have announced Rafael Soriano will be placed on the 15-day DL.
#Cubs today placed RHP Rafael Soriano on the 15-day DL (retroactive to August 4) with right shoulder inflammation.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 5, 2015
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The Chicago Cubs signed Rafael Soriano to a minor-league contract back in June hoping he could contribute to the back end of their bullpen after the MLB All-Star break. Well, after just 5 2/3 innings with the team, he'll be out for a little while.
Soriano was diagnosed with inflammation in his right shoulder and the Cubs placed him on the disabled list on Wednesday, according to Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago. Pitcher Clayton Richard was added to the roster as the corresponding move. A few others have confirmed the rumor.
Clayton Richard back! After Monday DFA, elects free agency, re-signs with Cubs. RSoriano to DL (shoulder "inflammation").
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) August 5, 2015
Soriano DL, Richard returns
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) August 5, 2015
Rafael Soriano to the DL w right shoulder inflammation. Clayton Richard technically signed back as a FA and added to roster
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) August 5, 2015
The team has yet to confirm the transaction.
Soriano, 35, fired Scott Boras earlier in the season and hired a new agent after he spent the first two months of the season without an MLB contract. The right-hander was rumored to have been garnering interest from a number of clubs before Chicago landed him. He's been one of the better relievers in the league since 2009, notching a total of 191 saves to go along with a 2.87 ERA and 374 strikeouts in 384 games (373 2/3 innings).
The Cubs' bullpen endured some trouble earlier in the season due to the inconsistencies of Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop, which is why the front office signed Soriano and manager Joe Maddon moved to a closer-by-committee system, adding Jason Motte, Justin Grimm and now Tommy Hunter into the mix. However, Soriano was perhaps viewed as a potential consistent ninth-inning option before his initial struggles (4 ER in his first 4 2/3 IP) and now his shoulder injury.
Depending on the severity of the injury, Soriano could certainly miss a month of action, which would significantly affect his ability to reach the incentives in his contract that are worth up to $4 million.
The Cubs were mentioned in trade rumors involving closers Craig Kimbrel and Jonathan Papelbon prior to the deadline, but didn't land either of them. Soriano had yet to make an impact on the bullpen, but it's likely he needed some time after getting a late start to the season.
