Rays sign recently released Cubs pitcher, former first-round pick

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed a right-handed pitcher who was recently waived by the Chicago Cubs. According to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times, Jake Woodford has agreed to a minor league deal with the AL East club. Woodford, 29, began the year with the Rays at spring training but did not make the Opening Day roster. The former first-round pick has split the season with the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs, allowing 21 earned runs on 40 hits with 23 strikeouts in 26.1 innings. Rays sign Jake Woodford"Tampa Bay can keep Woodford stretched out in a multi-inning role at Triple-A Durham," Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors wrote.MORE: Dave Dombrowski reveals why Phillies didn't trade for a righty-hitting outfielder"They recently placed Griffin Jax on the injured list and may need to rely