He cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and will serve as organizational depth.

Duensing stumbled to a 10.29 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 3:2 K:BB through seven innings this spring, prompting the Cubs to drop him from their 40-man roster in order to free up a spot for Tim Collins. Chicago will now have 10 days to trade, waive or release the veteran southpaw.

It's not a reassuring start for a pitcher who regressed noticeably last season. Duensing was one of the team's most reliable relievers in 2017 with a 2.74 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, only to see those figures balloon to 7.65 and 1.88, respectively, in 2018. Chicago has Randy Rosario and Mike Montgomery available as left-handed options, and Xavier Cedeno (wrist) will also join the mix at some point, so Duensing could end up as a very low-leverage reliever if he doesn't rebound in 2019.

Duensing, who was activated from the disabled list on Monday, was making his first appearance since Aug. 2, and the 35-year-old lefty looked rusty. Duensing now has a 7.82 ERA this season, and with left-handed options Justin Wilson, Randy Rosario and Jorge De La Rosa available out of the Cubs' bullpen, he might not find himself in many high-leverage spots the rest of the season.