With Scott Baker still recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Chicago Cubs wanted to add another starter and give themselves some options during the 2013 season.  They did just that by signing Carlos Villanueva.

The details of the contract were not known last night, but Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago confirms the Cubs were finalizing the deal last night.  Villanueva split time last season as a starter and a reliever.  However, the Cubs will likely use him as a starter.


Baker suffered a torn UCL in early 2012, but he is expected to join the club somewhere near the middle of next season.  In the mean time, Villanueva will be able to make some starts and prove to the front office whether he is ready for a permanent role in the rotation.

Villanueva, 29, has pitched for seven seasons in the Majors.  He has a career 33-35 record with a 4.26 ERA.  Last season, Villanueva pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays.  He went 7-7 with a 4.16 ERA.  He made 16 starts and 22 relief appearances.
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