Cubs Acquire LHP Giovanni Soto

It's not who you think.

The Cubs today acquired left-handed reliever Giovanni Soto from the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations. To make room for Soto on the 40-man roster, the Cubs moved Kyle Schwarber to the 60-day disabled list. Soto has been assigned to the Iowa Cubs.

Soto, not to be confused with former Cubs catcher Geovany Soto, was drafted in the 21st round of the 2009 draft by the Tigers out of Puerto Rico. He went to the Indians in 2010 in exchange for Jhonny Peralta. He'd been a starter with the Tigers and in his early days with the Indians, but arm problems in 2013 caused a move to the bullpen. He made it to the majors in a September callup last year and was not charged with allowing a run over 3.1 innings in six appearances. He has yet to record his first major league strikeout or walk.

Soto is a tall, lanky left-handed pitcher who relies on his fastball, curve and cutter. The cutter is reportedly his best pitch. Throughout his minor-league career, Soto has compiled solid strikeout rates, but has also struggled with his control and avoiding walks has been his biggest problem.

The Indians had designated Soto for assignment near the end of Spring Training when he failed to make the major league roster. He's now heading to Des Moines.

One more piece of Iowa news: Javier Baez will start his rehab assignment there tonight. He's expected to play third base.