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The Cubs released left-hander Felix Doubront today. Doubront was expected to compete for the fifth spot in the Cubs starting rotation this spring, but after a lousy spring in which he gave up nine runs in only seven innings, it was clear the team had better choices. Because Doubront was out of options, the Cubs had no choice but to grant his release.
The Cubs acquired the 27 year-old lefthander from Venezuela from the Red Sox at the trade deadline last July for a player to be named later, who turned out to be minor league shortstop Marco Hernandez. Doubront made four starts for Cubs last summer and pitched decently, going 2-1 with a 3.98 ERA. That put him in the mix for the fifth starter job, but his poor performance in Arizona ended those chances.
Doubront was scheduled to make $1.925 million this season. By releasing him now, the Cubs will only owe him around $473,000. So making the move today saves the team a good chunk of money.
The Cubs 40 man roster now stands at 34 with a week to go before the season starts. There are still some non-roster invitees in major league camp as well.