Cubs Sign RHP Vinny Nittoli to Major League Deal

The Chicago Cubs made a move to hopefully bolster their middling bullpen on Thursday by taking a flyer on right-hander Vinny Nittoli, a reliever who was recently designated for assignment by the Oakland Athletics. While hearing that a player got DFA'd by the Athletics doesn't inspire much confidence, Oakland is actively trying to lose, and it seems Nittoli was actually pitching too well to stick around. At least, that's how I want to spin it.

In eight innings over seven games with the Athletics, Nittoli had a 2.25 ERA , striking out five and walking two for a 1.250 WHIP. The numbers may look a little better on paper than they should, however. Nittoli had a hard-hit percentage of 44% and a FIP of 4.28.

The Cubs are hoping to hit on another DFA'd reliever like they did with Tyson Miller. Miller, DFA'd by the Seattle Mariners, has become the Cubs' best reliever in 15 games pitched. The righty has a 1.62 ERA in Chicago to go with a 0.60 WHIP. If Nittoli can keep pace with his current performance, or just keep his ERA below 4.00, he'll become another one of the best options in the Cubs' bullpen.

Fun fact: Nittoli has actually spent some time with the Cubs' organization. Last season, Nittoli had a brief stint with the Iowa Cubs. He recorded a 3.48 ERA and a 1.210 WHIP in 16 games with Iowa before the Cubs traded him to the New York Mets.

Now, Nittoli has managed to ink a Major League deal with the organization that traded him just last season. Time will tell if he can maintain his current stellar numbers.

For the Cubs, it's another low-risk move that may or may not help them improve. You know, just what an organization with the third-worst record in the National League needs to do to become a contender.

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