Cubs pitcher Matt Garza out until after trade deadline; deal now unlikely
Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza will not take the mound again until after the trade deadline, making it unlikely the team will be able to deal the veteran starter, according to reports on Twitter.
#Cubs Matt Garza not expected to pitch until late next week. MRI was clean. Says he's feeling better
—
Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 27, 2012Very hard to imagine anyone trading for Garza without seeing him pitch first, so now much more likely he moves in offseason.
—
(@DKnobler) July 27, 2012Garza reportedly had fluid buildup around his triceps.
The Cubs, with the fourth-worst record in the major leagues, are looking to rebuild their roster, and Garza was considered one of the team’s likely trading chips — a reliable, experienced pitcher who could solidify the end of the rotation for a contender.
The 28-year-old Garza is 5-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 18 starts this season.
Garza’s injury, which makes a trade unlikely, is another setback for Chicago as it looks to move its assets for prospects. Pitcher Ryan Dempster appeared headed to Atlanta earlier this week, but the trade fell apart.
