The trade deadline is still one week away, but Matt Garza may have thrown his last pitch for the Cubs.
According to ESPN Chicago’s Doug Padilla, the right-hander was excused from the team Tuesday afternoon in Pittsburgh for the birth of his child back in Chicago. He’s also dealing with triceps tightness and will not pitch again before Monday evening.
Deals must be completed by 4 p.m. ET on July 31.
Garza, 28, has posted a 3.91 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 18 starts this season, striking out 96 batters and walking only 32 in 103 2/3 innings. He is eligible for arbitration in 2013 and will hit the open market before the 2014 campaign. The Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers and others have expressed interest.