Cubs sign left-handed reliever Jeff Belge in trade with Rays originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
O Puppies traded left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady to the Rays in exchange for left-handed reliever Jeff Belge, the team announced.
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired LHP Richard Lovelady from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for LHP Jeff Belge.
To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Jacob Waguespack was moved to the 60-day injured list.
– Rays Communications (@RaysPR) May 18, 2024
Belge, 26, has worked in the minor leagues since 2019. He rose through the ranks from the Rays to their Double-A team, where he has played the past two seasons.
This season, he appeared in 11 games in relief, pitching 15 innings. He holds a 4.20 ERA, recording 17 strikeouts and eight walks so far this season. He also has a 1.133 WHIP.
The Red Sox initially drafted Belge in the 32nd round of the 2016 MLB draft.
As for Lovelady, he pitched in seven games for the Cubs this season. In 5.2 innings pitched with North Side, he allowed five runs, giving him a 7.94 ERA. He struck out six batters while walking two in his short stint with the Cubs.