Chicago Cubs Receive Strong Haul in Return for Matt Garza

Losing Justin Grimm won’t have a huge impact on the Rangers beyond dipping into their starting pitching depth. (Image Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

Justin Grimm will also join Olt with the Cubs’ Triple-A Iowa team. The 24 year old right-hander has spent the bulk of the season in the Texas rotation, making 17 starts and throwing 89.0 IP. He’s 7-7 with a 6.37 ERA and 1.652 WHIP. He’d struggled in his last few outings, resulting in the Rangers electing to move him to the bullpen just at the end of last week (though he wouldn’t appear in a game after the move).

Grimm has seen more positive results in the minor leagues since being taken in the 5th Round of the 2010 Draft by the Rangers. He’s 19-9 with a 3.07 ERA in 281.0 IP, with a 1.196 WHIP and 7.5 K/9.

Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News learned that Grimm was not originally discussed in the talks that the two teams held last week. It would seem that Grimm was actually a replacement option in the final deal, as the Rangers balked at including Rougned Odor in a package for Garza once their review of his medical records revealed some concerns over Garza’s elbow. The change certainly works in Texas’ favor, as Odor has quietly become one of the top position prospects in the Rangers system. The 19 year old second baseman has hit .306/.370/.459 in 397 PA on the year with the team’s High-A Myrtle Beach affiliate.

Losing Grimm ultimately won’t have a significant impact on the Rangers future, as he never appeared to profile as more than a 4th or 5th starter. His value was mainly in the fact that he offered up some additional pitching depth within the organization – something that teams are always searching for. It remains to be seen how quickly he might join the Cubs rotation, but it won’t be surprising to see him starting at Wrigley Field before the season concludes.