May 15, 2012 at 4:36 PM
Hunter Cervenka sent to Cubs, completing Byrd trade
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| Hunter Cervenka (Kelly O'Connor) |
WEEI.com's Alex Speier reports the Red Sox have sent left-handed pitcher Hunter Cervenka to the Chicago Cubs. The move completes last month's deal in which the Red Sox acquired outfielder Marlon Byrd in exchange for pitcher Michael Bowden.
Cervenka, 22, was originally drafted by Boston in the 27th round of the 2008 June amateur draft out of Sterling High School in Baytown, TX. Highly touted after an excellent senior year and committed to signing with the University of Texas, the Red Sox went way above slot to sign Cervenka, inking him to a $350,000 bonus at the signing deadline. He appeared in 56 games in the Red Sox system over the past 4 seasons, compiling a 5.97 ERA in 173.1 innings. He struck out 8.6 per nine innings on the strength of a good 94 mile per hour fastball, but struggled with his control, walking 7.2 per nine. Assigned to Greenville to begin the 2012 season, Cervenka made 9 appearances, all out of the bullpen, throwing 15.2 innings. He had a 8.04 ERA, 1.723 WHIP, 24 strikeouts and 12 walks.
Cervenka's biggest highlight with the Red Sox organization was his participation in last week's no-hitter for Greenville. In that game, he entered in the seventh inning in relief of starter Miguel Pena, throwing 2.0 innings, striking out 5 and walking 1.