Mets lose Jack Leathersich to Cubs

NEW YORK -- The Chicago Cubs have claimed left-handed reliever Jack Leathersich off waivers from the New York Mets.

Leathersich, 25, underwent Tommy John surgery on July 30, so he is not due to return until next summer.

The Mets have a shortage of left-handed relievers, but chose anyway to remove Leathersich to clear a spot ahead of Friday's deadline to add prospects to the 40-man roster to shield them from the Rule 5 draft.

Leathersich was drafted in the fifth round in 2011 out of UMass-Lowell. He had a 2.31 ERA in 17 major league relief appearances.

Leathersich has an amazing rate of 15.2 strikeouts per nine innings during his minor league career, but also was prone to walk batters.