Report: Cubs agree to minor-league deal with Matusz

Brian Matusz' time as a free agent was short-lived after the left-hander was signed to a minor-league deal by the Chicago Cubs Tuesday, reports Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.

Matusz reportedly agreed to terms over the weekend and took his physical on Monday.

The 29-year-old was released two weeks ago by the Atlanta Braves after being acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in a three-player trade.

Matusz also received interest from the San Diego Padres who envisioned him as a starter, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports, but the hurler decided an opportunity with the major-league leading Cubs was too good to pass up.

The lefty is expected to be used as a starter at Triple-A Iowa, writes Kubatko.

Matusz, the fourth overall selection of the 2008 draft, pitched eight seasons with the Orioles, amassing a 27-41 record with a 4.85 ERA across 279 appearances, 68 of which were starts.