Just before the 4:00 p.m. ET non-waiver trade deadline, the Cubs acquired relief pitcher Tommy Hunter from the Orioles, confirms Jon Heyman. The return for the Orioles is outfielder Junior Lake.
Hunter, 29, has a 3.63 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 32 strikeouts against 11 walks in 44 2/3 innings this season. He got off to a terrible start to the season, though, and actually has a 2.63 ERA in his last 34 outings.
 
Cubs get Tommy Hunter from Orioles for Junior Lake
 
The Cubs have had issues with consistency in the bullpen, but with Hector Rondon in a very good groove taking back over as the closer, Hunter should help solidify things along with Justin Grimm and Pedro Strop. We'll see if Rafael Soriano gets right and if Jason Motte can get back on track.
As for Lake, the 25 year old has been bouncing back and forth between the minors and majors the past three seasons. In 193 career big-league games, he's hitting .241/.283/.380 with 16 homers and 15 steals. In 58 Triple-A games this season, Lake is hitting .315/.404/.472 with 10 doubles and seven homers.
Teamed with the Gerardo Parra acquisition, it appears Lake is part of the effort to upgrade the corner outfield spots that flank All-Star center-fielder Adam Jones.
Matt Snyder/CBS Sports
 

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