Cubs Sign LHP Ty Blach, RHP Paul Campbell to Minors Deals

The Cubs already have five lefties in the bullpen, so they figured they might need to add another in case the injury bug starts biting them. That’s why they agreed to a minor league deal with 35-year-old Ty Blach, who has joined the Iowa Cubs in Columbus. Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register first reported the deal yesterday, and it’s expected that Blach will pitch on Saturday.

He’s been a swingman over parts of seven MLB seasons, making 70 starts in 156 total appearances, so I’d assume the Cubs will stick with more of a long-relief role. The same may be true for 30-year-old righty Paul Campbell, who likewise signed a minors deal and is expected to pitch Tuesday night for the I-Cubs. Campbell has only 16 MLB appearances with one start, all with the Marlins in 2021, and he was most recently pitching for Naranjeros de Hermosillo in Mexico.

Blach has significantly more experience, primarily with the Giants and Rockies, though there’s not much demand for lefties who throw 89 mph and don’t strike guys out. These signings are more about building up some emergency depth in light of recent injuries, but maybe we’ll be pleasantly surprised.

In other news, Matthew Boyd is expected to make a rehab start for the I-Cubs in Columbus this week as he works his way back from the IL due to a bicep strain. The Cubs could really use some good news on the pitching front, so let’s just hope he gets through that outing feeling strong.