Cubs acquire DFA'd hurler in latest attempt to keep drowning bullpen afloat

The Chicago Cubs made another move today in an effort to salvage their disastrous bullpen.

Chicago is signing right-hander Vinny Nittoli, according to a breaking report on Thursday morning from ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

“The Chicago Cubs are signing right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli to a major league deal,” Passan said. “Nittoli was DFA’d by Oakland after posting a 2.25 ERA in eight innings. Cubs are hoping to hit on another DFA’d reliever as they did with Tyson Miller, who’s been great.”

Chicago’s bullpen is a mess of late. While the Cubs have received pleasantly surprising production from Miller — as noted by Passan — the ‘pen as a whole has wasted many good outings from Chicago’s staff.

The Cubs rank No. 20 in Major League Baseball in saves (18) and No. 7 in save opportunities (35). Their bullpen also ranks No. 23 in MLB bullpen ERA at 4.52.

Chicago’s inability to close games might be the main reason for its 37-44 record entering Thursday, good for last place in the National League Central.

If the Cubs had a more robust bullpen or even some semblance of a regular closer, they’d more than likely have taken advantage of a higher percentage of 35 save opportunities. A serviceable bullpen can be the difference between playoff contention and a disappointing season, and Chicago is a prime example.

Adding Nittoli is the Cubs’ latest attempt at enhancing their floundering bullpen.

Nittoli lacks significant MLB experience, with just 14 2/3 innings pitched across 13 appearances in his career.

The 33-year-old hurler has tallied ten strikeouts in those appearances, with an ERA of 3.07.

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