SAN FRANCISCO -- The Cubs added another arm to the bullpen mix Thursday, acquiring right-hander Fernando Rodney from the Mariners for a player to be named or cash considerations. Rodney is expected to join the Cubs on Friday in Los Angeles."I was there for that year when he had the best in history," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of the right-hander's 2012 season with the Rays, when he compiled an 0.60 ERA in 76 games with 48 saves. "He has the kind of stuff to get out both righties and lefties. I know he had trouble or struggled a bit this year, but I'm eager to see him in person and find out what's going on." 
Maddon talked to Rodney on the phone after Thursday's 9-1 loss to the Giants."He still has a good fastball, outstanding changeup and is a great teammate," Maddon said. "He's a lot of fun to have on the team. I'm looking forward to it."The Cubs didn't feel a need to add another arm because reliever Jason Motte is on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder, Maddon said."The more the merrier," Maddon said.To make room on the roster, lefty Zac Rosscup was optioned to Triple-A Iowa, and right-handed pitcher Brian Schlitter was designated for assignment.Rodney, 38, is a two-time American League All-Star, having earned the honor in 2012 and last season with the Mariners. He has 236 career saves and is 35-55 with a 3.77 ERA in 686 relief appearances with the Tigers (2002-03, 2005-09), Angels (2010-11), Rays (2012-13) and Mariners (2014-15).This season, Rodney was 5-5 with 16 saves and a 5.68 ERA in 54 games for the Mariners before he was designated for assignment on Aug. 23.
Carrie Muskat/ MLB.com
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