Cubs add waiver claim Anthony Varvaro to bullpen mix

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The Cubs and manager Joe Maddon are still trying to get all the bullpen pieces to fit together.

Sunday, they added Anthony Varvaro to the mix, claiming the 30-year-old right-hander off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.

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Varvaro has appeared in 166 big-league games (all out of the bullpen) and has a 7-9 record, 3.23 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.

Varvaro made 123 appearances from 2013-14 for the Atlanta Braves, posting a 2.74 ERA and 1.18 WHIP while striking out 93 batters in 128 innings.

Varvaro pitched in nine games for the Boston Red Sox this season with a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings, allowing 14 hits and six walks. But his FIP (fielding independent pitching) was only 3.32, indicating he was getting a little unlucky.

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The Cubs bullpen took a major hit when hard-throwing right-handers Justin Grimm and Neil Ramirez went on the disabled list, and both are said to be progressing toward a return in the next couple weeks.

The Cubs designated left-hander Joseph Ortiz for assignment to make room for Varvaro on the roster.

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