Ex-Braves All-Star makes final Cubs contract decision
Former Atlanta Braves All-Star Julio Teheran signed with the Chicago Cubs in April on a minor league deal but after an ugly stint in the Triple-A, he’s opting out of his contract. Via Jon Heyman:
“Julio Teheran is opting out of his minor league deal with the Cubs.”
Before landing with the Cubbies, Teheran was with the New York Mets. That didn’t go well either, compiling a 13.50 ERA in one appearance. The Colombian, who made his MLB debut way back in 2011, isn’t likely to get a big league deal elsewhere. Another minors contract is probably the route he’ll have to settle for.
Teheran spent 2011-2019 with the Braves and became an important arm for them. In 2014 and 2016 he was named an All-Star, compiling a 2.89 and 3.21 ERA, respectively. Overall, Teheran had a 3.67 ERA during his time in Atlanta.
In the winter of 19′, he signed with the Los Angeles Angels and everything went downhill from there. He’s barely pitched in the Majors since then. Stints with the Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers followed, but Teheran didn’t pitch at all in 2022. The Cubs could’ve definitely used another arm, but Teheran didn’t prove that he was worthy of a call-up after getting lit up in Iowa.
Cubs needed Teheran at the time
When Chicago signed Teheran, both Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon were injured while Kyle Hendricks wasn’t himself. Teheran was once a solid starter who the Cubs saw as a potential piece to fill in when they had health issues. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out. Plus, Javier Assad and Ben Brown have impressed to lock down spots in the rotation while Shota Imanaga is pitching like a Cy Young candidate. To be brutally honest, it would’ve been difficult for Teheran to get a chance as a starter at Wrigley even if he was dealing in Triple-A.
At 33, time is running out for him to be a regular contributor in the show again. Teheran first needs to pitch well in the minors and perhaps he can earn an opportunity with a ball club dealing with some injuries.
Kim’s three-run double contributes to the San Diego Padres’ 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals
Ha-Seong Kim hit a three-run double that put the Padres in the lead, while Fernando Tatis Jr. and Kyle Higashioka hit home runs, helping the San Diego Padres win 7-3 against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.
Randy Vásquez (1-3) started the game instead of Joe Musgrove, who was unable to play due to inflammation in his right elbow. Vásquez pitched for five innings, allowing three runs and four hits, with five strikeouts and one walk.
“I’m very happy and thankful to the organization for giving me this chance to contribute,” said Vásquez, who was brought in from Triple-A El Paso for this game. “Everything worked out well for us. I feel more confident with my pitches and grateful for the positive results.”
In the fourth inning, with the Padres trailing 3-2, Kim hit a double to left field off Royals starter Alec Marsh (4-3), clearing the bases and giving San Diego the lead.
“I haven’t had the best start lately, but I’ve been hitting the ball hard, although unfortunately many of them turned into outs,” said Kim, who also hit a triple. “I feel like I’m improving, and summer has just begun. I have good memories of the summer, so I hope I can keep up this momentum.”
Marsh allowed five earned runs and seven hits in five innings, with three walks and three strikeouts.
Tatis Jr. hit a solo home run in the first inning, giving the Padres an early lead. However, Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run home run for the Royals in the bottom of the inning, putting them ahead.
Pasquantino had another opportunity to score for the Royals in the seventh inning with two outs and the bases loaded, but Jeremiah Estrada struck him out.
“We had chances,” commented Royals manager Matt Quatraro. “Whenever you have the bat in your hand, there’s an opportunity. We competed well at the plate, but we couldn’t extend our lead when we had it or come back when we were behind.”
Higashioka hit a home run in the ninth inning, his second of the season.
