Maeda, 37, was released by the Tigers earlier this month. He will be a veteran option at Triple A for a Cubs rotation hit hard by injuries.

The Chicago Cubs signed 37-year-old Kenta Maeda to a minor-league contract on Friday, hoping to bolster a pitching staff that is showing its wear just a quarter of a way through the season. The Detroit Tigers designated Maeda for assignment last week after the right-hander started the season with a 7.

Just over a week after he was released by the Detroit Tigers, veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda agreed to a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Maeda, 37, had a 7.88 ERA in seven relief appearances for the Tigers before he was designated for assignment on May 1 and placed on release waivers May 7.