Escobar signed a contract with the Cubs on Sunday, Venezuelan reporter Luis Enrique Morales reports.

EDGE Analysis

The details of Escobar's contract are unclear at the moment, but he will likely have an opportunity to compete for a bullpen spot in the spring after seven seasons in Japan. The 31-year-old southpaw holds a solid 3.17 ERA and 1.19 WHIP throughout his career in the NPB, though he most recently put up a 4.55 ERA through 31.2 innings in 2023.

Escobar was released by the Indians on Tuesday to allow him to pursue an opportunity to play in Japan this year, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Zack Meisel reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old southpaw was on his third organization in the calendar year, and was only going to serve as organizational bullpen depth if he remained with the Indians this season.

Escobar was designated for assignment by the Indians on Thursday, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

EDGE Analysis

Escobar was claimed by the Indians in mid-November to provide bullpen depth, but will ultimately be deemed expendable, as the team needed his roster spot to make room for free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion's official signing. If he doesn't get claimed off waivers by a team looking for left-handed bullpen depth, Escobar could elect to remain with the organization in the minors.

Escobar was claimed off waivers by the Indians on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

He pitched 23.2 innings out of the Diamondbacks' bullpen last year, ending up with a 7.23 ERA and 1.90 WHIP, so Arizona understandably thought they could sneak him through waivers. It is possible he can carve out a role as a low-leverage option against southpaws for the Indians in 2017.

Escobar was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Escobar will replace Adam Loewen in Arizona's bullpen, returning to the majors for the first time since July 17. He should once again serve in middle relief but will look for better results than he's had with the Diamondbacks previously this season.

Escobar was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Although the Diamondbacks are hurting for rotation depth, Escobar is headed back to the minors after a three-day stint in the majors that included just one relief appearance. He has a 15.95 ERA for the Diamondbacks (7.1 innings) and a 5.08 ERA for Triple-Reno (56.2 innings).

Escobar was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Escobar will get the call up with Shelby Miller getting optioned on Thursday and the D-Backs without Zach Greinke and Rubby De La Rosa. Escobar has struggled in Triple-A ball since his demotion on June 10, compiling a 5.40 ERA over 31.2 innings. He's performed similarly during his two major league starts this season, giving up 11 earned runs over seven innings. He'll look to turn things around when he likely takes the hill next week.

Escobar is expected to be recalled by the Diamondbacks on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The Diamondbacks optioned starter Shelby Miller to Triple-A on Thursday and are planning to bring up Escobar to fill his spot on the roster. Escobar, a 24-year-old lefty, has struggled in his two starts with the Diamondbacks this season, recording a 14.14 ERA and a 2.57 WHIP across 7.0 total innings of work. Provided that he is recalled Friday, Escobar could have a chance to make a spot start or work in a long relief role out of the bullpen.

Escobar was sent down to Triple-A Reno on Friday to make room for outfielder Peter O'Brien, Steve Berthiaume of Fox Sports Arizona reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was O'Brien who got sent down when Escobar was first called up at the end of May, but now the two are flipping roles. Escobar struggled in two starts for the Diamondbacks, and manager Chip Hale said on Monday that the lefty was headed to the bullpen. Escobar will now work at Triple-A and could be a candidate for a spot start down the line if Arizona has a need.

Manager Chip Hale said Monday that Escobar will be moved to the bullpen.

EDGE Analysis

Escobar lasted just 3.2 and 3.1 innings in his first two major league starts, giving up a total of 11 earned runs. While the Diamondbacks are still ailing with injuries to their normal starting rotation, Escobar will have to prove his worth out of the bullpen before getting a third opportunity to start, although Rubby De La Rosa (elbow) and Shelby Miller (finger) will likely fill that void before it happens.