The Boston Red Sox announced Wednesday that left-handed pitcher Drake Britton was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs.
Britton, 25, was a former top pitching prospect for the Red Sox as a starter before being converted to a reliever, where he was expected to be a better fit at the major league level. In stints with the team each of the last two seasons, Britton enjoyed success out of the bullpen, posting a 2.93 ERA in 27.2 innings combined.
Britton was designated for assignment last week following the signing of free agent right-hander Alexi Ogando. Without any minor league options remaining, Britton would have had to make the team at the conclusion of spring training or be exposed to waivers then.
Cubs president Theo Epstein has familiarity with Britton having drafted him as Red Sox general manager in 2007. In that draft, Cubs senior vice president of scouting and player development Jason McLeod served as Boston's director of amateur scouting.
