Results tagged “richharden”

In spite of being claimed off of waivers late last week, Cubs pitchers Aaron Heilman and Rich Harden - claimed by San Francisco and Minnesota, respectively - are staying put. The teams had a three-day window in which to work something out but couldn't come up with deals, so both hurlers remain in Cubbie blue, for better or worse. [ESPN Chicago]

The Chicago Cubs picked up the option on starting pitcher Rich Harden for the 2009 season. The option will cost $7 million. After examinations Wednesday, it was determined Harden would not need off-season shoulder surgery for tendinitis. The 26-year old Harden, who has battled injuries, went 5-1 in 12 starts for the Cubs after the July 8th trade, and he sported a 1.77 ERA. Said Cubs GM Jim Hendry, "We are convinced he'll be able to do at least [25 starts] next year. Obviously, with shoulders you have some difficulties in cases like this. Rich will go into the offseason to make it stronger and rehab it all winter, and we feel confident he'll be ready to go by Opening Day."

Lou Piniella has set the rotation for the Cubs playoff series which starts Wednesday. Ryan Dempster gets the call in game one on Wednesday followed by Carlos Zambrano in game two. Rich Harden will start game three and Ted Lilly will start game four (if necessary). Jason Marquis will work out of the bullpen. Said Lou, "I said before I announced any pitcher that I had confidence in all four of my starters, so all games are equally important, and we chose to go this way. Everybody's got to do their job now."

Cubs, Harden Shutdown Reds