Cubs released left-handed pitcher Clayton Richard

The Cubs designated LHP Clayton Richard for assignment on July 26 when LHP Aroldis Chapman was added to the 25-man roster. And on Wednesday, the Cubs officially released the veteran southpaw.

The Cubs released LHP Clayton Richard. The lefty became a free agent and can sign with another team.

Clayton Richard got his career back on track with the Cubs last season after he was purchased from the Pirates for $1 on July 3. Richard made his Cubs’ debut on the Fourth of July. While Kris Bryant supplied the fireworks that day, Richard had a very good outing and stayed with the team the rest of the year.

Richard went 4-2 with a 3.83 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 3.58 FIP in 23 games, three starts, for the Cubs last season. Joe Maddon stuck with Richard in a relief role when the Cubs were struggling in the starting rotation because he was able to get a groundball out of the pen seemingly when needed.

The Cubs tendered Richard a contract in the off-season and avoided arbitration with a $2 million salary for this season.

Clayton Richard appeared to be just a little off in the spring and went from a possibility for the fifth spot in the rotation to a concern. Richard was not able to get on track once the season started.

Richard made only four appearances in April and allowed four runs, two earned, on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings (6.75 ERA, 2.62 WHIP). Richard really struggled in May (0-1 in 12 games, 8.53 ERA, 1.89 WHIP) before showing signs of improvement in June.

Richard inherited 15 baserunners this season in 25 games and five of those scored.

While on a rehab assignment, Richard made four starts for Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa and posted a 0-1 record with a 2.13 ERA and 0.78 WHIP. With Iowa, Richard had two no-decisions and a 0.00 ERA with a 0.60 WHIP after five innings.

Clayton Richard was 0-1 in 25 games, all out of the bullpen, with a 6.43 ERA, 2.14 WHIP and 4.06 FIP. Richard allowed 14 runs, 10 earned, on 23 hits with seven walks, two HBP, three intentional walks and seven strikeouts in 14 innings.

• Clayton Richard’s Page on Baseball-Reference

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