The Cubs added another arm to the bullpen mix on Friday when they claimed right-handed pitcher Zach Putnam off waivers from the Rockies.  Putnam, 25, is 19-12 with 26 saves and a 3.90 ERA in 171 career Minor League games, all but 15 as a reliever. He has given up 18 home runs over 295 2/3 innings and walked 94 while striking out 270. Originally selected by the Indians in the fifth round of the 2008 Draft, Putnam was traded to the Rockies in January for pitcher Kevin Slowey. Putnam has appeared in 10 Major League games for a total of 9 1/3 innings, and has a 4.82 ERA. Last season, he posted two scoreless appearances for the Rockies in two stints.

The right-hander spent the majority of 2012 with Triple-A Colorado Springs, and was 3-4 with 12 saves and a 4.15 ERA in 49 relief appearances. He converted 12 of his first 15 save opportunities and struck out 49 with 27 walks over 60 2/3 innings pitched.

– Carrie Muskat