Pitching has been a major storyline for the Chicago Cubs throughout the season, especially as injuries have taken a toll on the starting rotation.
Despite those setbacks, Chicago remains in the National League Wild Card race and continues to stay competitive in the NL Central.
On Tuesday, the Cubs lost a veteran arm when right-hander Vince Velasquez chose free agency after declining an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa.
The move came just days after Chicago designated him for assignment on Sunday.
According to MLB Trade Rumors’ Anthony Franco, this marks the second time Velasquez has elected free agency after being outrighted by the Cubs.
Previously, he rejoined the organization on a minor league contract, and a similar reunion could happen again.
Velasquez, 34, made two appearances for Chicago this season, pitching 3.1 innings while allowing one hit and recording one strikeout.
The former Philadelphia Phillies starter spent six seasons in their rotation from 2016 through 2021, though he never finished a season with an ERA lower than 4.85 during that stretch.
While a return to the Cubs on another minor league deal remains possible, Velasquez is now free to explore opportunities elsewhere, and another team could decide to give the veteran right-hander a chance at the major league level.
