CUBS AND RAYS SWAP SOUTHPAWS
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired pitcher Richard Lovelady from the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Jeff Belge.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
Lovelady provides the Rays with bullpen depth. The left-hander owns a career 5.48 ERA in MLB and struggled in limited innings this season with the Cubs (5.2 IP, 7.94 ERA, 1.94 WHIP). He should see usage against lefties in low-leverage situations, but the southpaw will need to impress to keep a roster spot when some of Tampa Bay's injured bullpen arms return.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
Lovelady was not finding much success in Chicago, so they traded him for a younger left-hander. Belge is a 26-year-old reliever who has shown good strikeout ability (while struggling with walks) in the minors. He has yet to pitch above Double-A ball. There is still some potential here, but this is primarily a depth move for the Cubs organization.
Fantasy impact
This trade has no fantasy impact. Lovelady's usage has no appeal in fantasy leagues, while Belge is likely to remain in the minors.
