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In face of starting-pitching need, Cubs add Kenta Maeda on minor league deal

Paul Beaty/AP Photos

Who knows if the Cubs can find the keys to Kenta Maeda’s personal DeLorean? But they’re taking a crack at a reclamation project.

Manager Craig Counsell confirmed during his pregame media session Friday that the Cubs are adding Maeda, a 37-year-old right-handed pitcher and former Cy Young runner-up, on a minor league deal as the team is faced with a growing need for starting pitching at the big league level.

The top two arms in the Cubs’ rotation are on the shelf: Justin Steele down for the season after elbow surgery and Shota Imanaga currently on the injured list with a strained left hamstring.