Blue Jays deal Phelps to Cubs for minor-league pitcher

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs added bullpen depth by acquiring right-hander David Phelps from Toronto for minor-league righty Thomas Hatch.

As part of the Major League Baseball trade announced Tuesday, the Blue Jays will send cash to Chicago to offset some of Phelps’s contract, which includes a $2.5-million base salary for this year, a $1-million club option for 2020 and numerous performance bonuses.

The 32-year-old tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow on March 17, 2017, during his final pitch in a spring training outing against the Los Angeles Angels, had surgery March 26 and did not return to the major leagues until this June 17. He had a 3.63 ERA in 17 relief appearances with the Blue Jays, going 0 for 2 in save chances.

Phelps is 30-33 with a 3.88 ERA over 245 games in seven seasons with the New York Yankees (201214), Miami (’15-17), Seattle (’17) and Toronto.

To open a 40-man roster spot for Phelps, the Cubs moved lefthander Xavier Cedeno to the 60-day injured list.

Phelps is the third player in three days traded by the rebuilding Blue Jays after right-hander Marcus Stroman was sent to the New York Mets and utility man Eric Sogard to Tampa Bay.

Phelps could earn $2.5 million in bonuses this year based on games: $250,000 each for 25, 30 and 35, and $350,000 apiece for 40, 45, 50, 55 and 70. He could also earn $750,000 this year based on games finished: $125,000 each for 25 and 30, and $250,000 apiece for 35 and 40.

Hatch, 24, was 4-10 with a 4.59 ERA this season at Double-A Tennessee. Selected by Chicago on the third round of the 2016 amateur draft with the 104th pick, Hatch signed for a $573,900 bonus. He is 17-27 with a 4.10 ERA in 73 starts over three minor league seasons.