ARLINGTON, Texas — The last time Bob Howry was on a mound, he threw 32 pitches without getting an out. The Diamondbacks, whose bullpen is the worst in the majors, then released him.
Yet the Cubs couldn’t wait to get him back in one of their uniforms.
Howry signed a contract Friday and joined the Cubs before their game at Rangers Stadium. He comes with a 10.67 ERA in 14 appearances but says he knows he has some effectiveness left in his right arm.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I can help,” Howry said.
Manager Lou Piniella admits he doesn’t know what to expect from Howry but is happy to have him in his clubhouse. He managed him in 2007 and ’08, the last two seasons on the three-year deal Howry signed with the Cubs before ’06.
“He’s a professional,” Piniella said. “I really enjoy having him in the clubhouse as a player and a person. He’s A-1.
“I don’t know why he didn’t pitch well in Arizona this year. We’ll give him an opportunity. Hopefully he can come back to the form he had (earlier in his career).”
Howry pitched fairly well for the Giants last season, compiling a 3.39 ERA in 63 appearances. The Cubs have been searching for a right-handed setup man since Angel Guzman went down in spring training.
“That’s something you have to earn,” Howry said of a late-inning role.
Justin Berg was sent to Iowa to clear room on the 25-man roster for Howry. David Patton was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
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