Ryan Tepera reportedly returns to the Chicago Cubs on a major-league deal
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The Chicago Cubs are bringing back another reliever from the 2020 team.
The Cubs on Friday reportedly signed right-hander Ryan Tepera to a big-league deal pending a physical.
Tepera, 33, pitched in 21 games with a 3.92 ERA, 1.403 WHIP and 115 ERA+. He had an eye-popping 34.8 K% — easily a career best — but also struggled with his command at times, resulting in a 13.5 BB%, which also was the worst of his career.
Manager David Ross used Tepera in a variety of roles primarily between the sixth and eighth innings. He brings velocity to the bullpen, with a four-seam and two-seam fastball that can hit 96 mph.
The Cubs need different velocity contrasts in the bullpen to complement a rotation that features more pitchability than stuff.
