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3B Stewart non-tendered by Cubs

Sports

December 1st, 2012 by Ric Hanson

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have declined to offer a 2013 contract to third baseman Ian Stewart, making him eligible for free agency. Stewart was acquired in a trade with Colorado in December 2011 that cost the Cubs promising outfielder Tyler Colvin. Stewart batted .201 with five homers in 55 games before needing wrist surgery. Also Friday, the Cubs also declined to offer contracts to right-handers Zach Putnam and Jaye Chapman. Putnam was claimed off waivers from Colorado on Nov. 2, and Chapman was 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA in 14 appearances with Chicago this year. Stewart, Putnam and Chapman are set to become free agents Saturday.

The Cubs tendered contracts to four arbitration-eligible players: right-handers Matt Garza and Jeff Samardzija, lefty James Russell and infielder Luis Valbuena. The team also announced right-hander Casey Coleman cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa.