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The Chicago Cubs designated right-handed pitcher Casey Coleman for assignment Wednesday in order to make room on the 40-man roster for right-hander Scott Feldman, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports. The Cubs announced their signing of Feldman on Tuesday.
Coleman, 25, has spent time as a spot starter for the Cubs over the past three seasons. A quick riser through Chicago's minor-league system after being drafted in the 15th round of the 2008 draft, Coleman could never establish himself as a solid pitcher at the MLB level.
Making 48 appearances (including 26 starts) with Chicago over the past three years, Coleman posted a 5.76 ERA with 118 strikeouts and 83 walks in 165.2 innings. His numbers got worse each season, bottoming out in 2012 with a 7.40 ERA over 24 innings primarily in relief duty.
With the move, the Cubs have 10 days to either release Coleman, attempt to trade him or outright him to the minor leagues. The pitcher can opt for free agency if Chicago tries to send him to the minor leagues, though.