The Cubs have acquired left-handed reliever Jeff Belge from the Rays in exchange for left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady, as reported by NBC Sports Chicago.
Belge, aged 26, has been active in the minor leagues since 2019, gradually progressing within the Rays’ system to their Double-A team, where he has spent the past two seasons. In the current season, he has made 11 relief appearances, pitching for a total of 15 innings with a 4.20 ERA. During this time, he has recorded 17 strikeouts and eight walks, maintaining a 1.133 WHIP. Belge was initially drafted by the Red Sox in the 32nd round of the 2016 MLB entry draft.
On the other hand, Lovelady appeared in seven games for the Cubs this season. Across 5.2 innings pitched, he conceded five runs, resulting in a 7.94 ERA during his brief tenure with the team. He managed to strike out six batters while issuing two walks.
