February 4, 2015 at 5:59 PM
Chicago Cubs claim Drake Britton off waivers
The left-hander was ranked as high as fourth in the Red Sox system by SoxProspects.com, that during the 2011 season, and was ranked as the 97th-best prospect in the game by Baseball America entering that year.
Britton was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2007 draft. He made his major league debut for Boston in July 2013, moving to the bullpen after spending his career in the minors as a starter. In 2014, his first full season as a reliever, he struggled in Triple-A Pawtucket, posting a 5.86 ERA and allowing 77 hits and 38 walks over 58 1/3 innings while striking out 37. He achieved better results in his seven major league appearances for the Red Sox in September, allowing five hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings, striking out four.
Britton made a total of 25 appearances for the Red Sox between 2013 and 2014, 27 2/3 innings pitched with 21 strikeouts.
Britton will join former Red Sox Jon Lester and David Ross, both of whom joined the Cubs in the off-season as free agents, as well as Felix Doubront, who was traded to the Cubs last July. To make room for Britton on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated right-hander Gonzalez Germen for assignment.
Britton made a total of 25 appearances for the Red Sox between 2013 and 2014, 27 2/3 innings pitched with 21 strikeouts.
Britton will join former Red Sox Jon Lester and David Ross, both of whom joined the Cubs in the off-season as free agents, as well as Felix Doubront, who was traded to the Cubs last July. To make room for Britton on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated right-hander Gonzalez Germen for assignment.
Photo credit: Drake Britton by Kelly O'Connor