Rodney Knuppel | The Sporting News

The Chicago Cubs are not finished adding pitching before the MLB trade deadline. Chicago is acquiring right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The return heading to Los Angeles was not immediately reported.

Zeferjahn becomes the latest addition for a Cubs team aggressively strengthening its pitching staff for the stretch run. Chicago also reportedly acquired left-handed starter Braxton Garrett from the Miami Marlins on Monday.

The Cubs entered the day with a 63-49 record, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 6.5 games in the NL Central. Milwaukee’s substantial division lead has not stopped Chicago from building a roster capable of reaching the postseason and making noise once it gets there.

Zeferjahn should have an opportunity to become an important part of that push.

Zeferjahn brings strikeout power to Chicago

Zeferjahn recorded a 3.66 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 75 strikeouts across 51 2/3 innings for the Angels this season. The 28-year-old allowed only 30 hits in 45 appearances, demonstrating how difficult he can be to square up. His 32 walks are the biggest concern, but the strikeout production gives Chicago another reliever capable of escaping dangerous situations without relying entirely on its defense.

Zeferjahn also recorded four saves for Los Angeles, giving him at least some experience handling late-inning pressure. He was pitching particularly well immediately before the trade. Zeferjahn struck out four batters over 1 2/3 scoreless innings against the Brewers on Sunday. Across his last five appearances for the Angels, he recorded 12 strikeouts and allowed one earned run over 5 2/3 innings.

Road dominance could travel well to Wrigley Field

Zeferjahn’s performance away from Angel Stadium should be especially encouraging for the Cubs. The 6-foot-5 right-hander produced a 2.55 ERA and 0.97 WHIP across 24 2/3 road innings this season. He allowed only 13 hits while recording 34 strikeouts in those appearances.

That success suggests Zeferjahn should be comfortable changing environments and pitching important innings away from familiar surroundings. He has appeared in 119 career games, including one start, while collecting 166 strikeouts over 125 2/3 innings. Chicago is acquiring a pitcher who already has proven he can consistently miss major league bats.