Justin Germano #39 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game on May 11, 2011 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs have acquired right-handed pitcher Justin Germano from the Boston Red Sox for a cash consideration, Chicago announced Thursday.
Germano, who will wear uniform number 41, could be available as soon as Friday night when the Cubs open a three-game series in St. Louis.
Germano, 29, has played for five major-league clubs, including the Cubs. He has also pitched professionally in Japan and Korea.
The righthander went 9-4 with a 2.40 ERA (28 ER/105.0 IP) in 17 appearances (16 starts) with Triple-A Pawtucket this season. He struck out 72 and walked only 13 batters in 105.0 innings. Germano limited opponents to a .211 batting average, the Cubs said in a news release.
The righthander was originally selected by the Padres in the 13th round of the 2000 Draft.
Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Jairo Asencio has been designated for assignment.
Asencio posted no record and a 3.07 ERA (5 ER/14.2 IP) in 12 big league appearances with the Cubs. He walked 11 and struck out eight in 14.2 innings. He was claimed off waivers by the Cubs from Cleveland on June 1.
