Cishek signs two-year contract with Cubs

Cishek signs two-year contract with Cubs

VIDEO: Steve Cishek Interview with Eagle Sports Network

2017 C-N Feature on Cishek

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs made a two-year deal with former Carson-Newman right-hander Steve Cishek official Saturday afternoon after the hurler agreed to a deal with the organization Thursday according to various reports.

The 2016 World Series Champions become the fifth Major League club for Cishek joining the Marlins, Mariners, Cardinals and Rays. If the hurler can complete his contract he would join Clyde Wright as the only two former Eagles to play 10 years at the big league level as Wright pitched from 1966-75.

In his first eight seasons, the 2007 fifth-round pick of the Florida Marlins has appeared in 422 games tallying a 2.73 earned run average while recording 121 saves.

Cishek put forth a strong effort in 2017 with the Mariners and Rays unfurling a 2.01 ERA in 49 total appearances. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on July 28 and in 26 outings with the Rays he allowed just three earned runs in 24 2/3 innings pitched.

The six-foot-six pitcher shut down right-handed hitters a year ago limiting opponents to a .147 batting average allowing a total of three extra-base hits in 119 plate appearances.

For the Eagles, Cishek appeared in 42 games from 2005-07 winning six games out of the bullpen with a 3.21 ERA racking up 81 punch outs.

As a member of the 2007 Eagles, he was a part of a team that won three games in one day to capture a South Atlantic Conference tournament championship. He was the winning pitcher in the final game of the day tossing the final 1 2/3 innings in a 6-3 victory over Tusculum to clinch the program's fourth SAC Tournament title.

Cishek will report to Mesa, Ariz. for Spring Training as people can follow the latest news regarding the righty on cubs.com.

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