David

Patton

The Cubs wasted a 25-man roster spot on Patton for most of last season after taking him in the Rule 5 draft, but it never seemed that they were high on him for even a moment. Hurt in spring training this year, he was assigned to the FSL when healthy and compiled a 5.23 ERA in 10 1/3 innings out of the pen for Daytona. Odds are that he’ll clear waivers.

Fortunately Angel Guzman returned from the DL Monday, so the Cubs are actually upgrading with Patton’s injury.

With a 0.73 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings this spring, Patton appears to be on the verge of getting the bullpen spot that was supposed to belong to Chad Gaudin. The Rockies surely have no chance of getting him back. Even if the Cubs decide against keeping him, it seems practically certain that the Padres would step in with a waiver claim.

Especially with Rich Harden seemingly pitching hurt and Chad Gaudin gone, sending Samardzija to Triple-A to work as a starter seems like a good plan. He may be needed in the rotation pretty soon. This means the Rule 5 pick David Patton, who was taken out of the Rockies organization, and Angel Guzman will both have bullpen spots.

Patton, on the D.L. since early July due to a strained groin, has a 5.63 ERA in 24 innings this season and should not be a consideration in NL-only leagues.

Patton, who Chicago acquired in December of 2008 in the Rule 5 Draft, had a 6.83 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 23/19 K/BB ratio in 27 2/3 innings (20 relief appearances) with the Cubs last season. He never pitched above Single-A before last season, so some extra seasoning in the minors could serve him well.

Patton, who was taken out of the Rockies system, had a 3.54 ERA and an 87/28 K/BB ratio in 73 2/3 innings for Single-A Modesto last season. He’ll compete for a spot in middle relief.

Patton, 24, had a 3.54 ERA and an 87/28 K/BB ratio in 73 2/3 innings for Single-A Modesto last season. His stuff isn’t quite as good as his strikeout rate suggests, and he’s probably middle-relief material at best. The Reds aren’t likely to have as much luck with him as they have Jared Burton.

Patton, 26, posted a rough 5.03 ERA and 35/42 K/BB ratio in 2010 at Single-A Daytona. He should get a shot with another organization eventually.