Cubs sell Patton's contract to Japanese team
CHICAGO -- The Cubs sold the contract of right-handed pitcher Spencer Patton to the Yokohama BayStars team in Japan. With the move, the Cubs' 40-man roster now is at 37.
Patton, 28, made 16 relief appearances for the Cubs in 2016, compiling a 5.48 ERA by giving up 13 earned runs over 21 1/3 innings. He served up 20 hits and walked 14 while striking out 22. The right-hander had a 0.75 ERA in 35 appearances at Triple-A Iowa, giving up three earned runs over 36 innings and striking out 59.
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The Cubs acquired Patton from the Rangers in November 2015 for Minor League infielder Frandy De La Rosa.
Patton thanked the Cubs with a post on Twitter, saying that pitching for the team was "an incredible experience." He added, "Getting to work for such a great organization was a blessing. Hope you continue to #FlyTheW!"
The right-hander said he was looking forward to the opportunity to not just play in Japan but also to grow, tweeting, "See you soon Yokohama!"