The Chicago Cubs have claimed right-handed relief pitcher Miguel Socolovich off of waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, according to CSN Chicago's Mark Strotman. To make room for him on their 40-man roster, the Cubs designated catcher Blake Lalli for assignment.
Socolovich, 26, made his major league debut on July 14, 2012 for the Orioles. In six appearances with the big league club, he posted a 6.97 ERA with six strikeouts and six walks in 10.1 innings. Socolovich began the year at Triple-A Norfolk, and dominated hitters to the tune of a 1.90 ERA and 0.90 WHIP across 52 innings. He signed with the Orioles prior to the 2012 season, after being granted minor league free agency following four years in the Chicago White Sox organization.
Lalli, 29, also made it to the major leagues for the first time this season. He hit .133/.188/.133 in 16 plate appearances with the Cubs in limited action. Lalli is a career .296/.357/.416 hitter over seven seasons in the minor leagues.
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