MARYVALE, Ariz. — Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija is committed to the Cubs.

Just how committed is another question, after an Internet report quoted President Theo Epstein as saying Samardzija "dumped" his girlfriend last year to assure management he was focused totally on becoming a starter.

The story emanated from an interview Epstein gave to sportswriter Joe Posnanski. Epstein said Samardzija told them he was "eliminating everything in my life that gets in the way" of starting.

Samardzija told Epstein and manager Dale Sveum: "I'm dumping my girlfriend. I'm moving to Arizona. I just want the chance to show you that I'm a starting pitcher."

Samardzija said Friday that the essence of the tale is true, though he added he actually "dumped" his girlfriend about six months earlier than the conversation recounted in the article.

"I just wanted to level with him that I didn't have any distractions," Samardzija said Friday. "The only thing on my mind was making the rotation, and pitching 30-32 starts. Really the best way I could describe that was by saying I didn't have a girlfriend."

So did he actually "dump" his girlfriend?

"No, well, hey, that's fine," he replied. "I dumped my girlfriend. That sounds like a better story."

When someone asked if the girlfriend was like the one in the "Manti Te'o story," Samardzija laughed.

"No, you have to have one to dump one," he said.

Roster cuts: The Cubs made 11 roster cuts Friday, and none were unexpected. Dave Sappelt will make the team as the fifth outfielder, with Brian Bogusevic and Darnell McDonald were sent to minor league camp.

"The writing on the (wall was) 'Sapp' was going to be on the team," Sveum said. "He has proven to me and the organization he can swing the bat, and he has done a really nice job in center field."

Left-hander Chris Rusin was optioned to Triple-A Iowa, where he will be one of the starters and likely the first call-up in case of any pitching injuries. Other pitchers assigned to minor league camp were Drew Carpenter, Casey Coleman, Jaye Chapman, Jensen Lewis and Blake Parker.

Lefty Hisanori Takahashi remains the favorite for the final bullpen spot, with Rafael Dolis, Cory Wade and Zach Putnam still in camp.

Also sent to minor league camp were infielders Edwin Maysonet and Brad Nelson, and outfielder Johermyn Chavez. Brett Jackson is still in camp, but will be sent to Triple-A Iowa.

Sveum said the Cubs will look at the waiver wire for the final backup infield spot, though catcher/infielder Steve Clevenger and Alberto Gonzalez are still in camp, along with catcher J.C. Boscan.

psullivan@tribune.com

Twitter @PWSullivan