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| Dontrelle Willis last pitched in the majors with the Reds in 2011. (US Presswire) |
Dontrelle Willis' retirement is over -- and the left-hander is trying to resurrect his career where it started, with the Cubs. CBSSports.com Insider Jon Heyman reports Willis has signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs.
Although Willis did not receive an invite to big-league camp, he will get chances in big-league camp if he is throwing well, according to Heyman.
Willis, who will celebrate his 31st birthday on Jan. 12, spent last season with the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, Va., going 0-3 with an 8.53 ERA in four games and three starts before announcing his retirement in July. Heyman reports Willis decided to un-retire after the 2012 season ended.
Originally an eighth-round pick by the Cubs in 2000, he was traded to the Marlins in 2002 in a deal that netted Chicago Antonio Alfonseca and Matt Clement. A year later he won the Rookie of the Year, going 14-6 with a 3.30 ERA. He won 22 games in 2005, finishing second in the Cy Young voting and then after a disappointing season in 2007, he was part of the trade that sent Miguel Cabrera to Detroit.
Willis' career never quite got back on track. He was 4-15 with a 6.15 ERA in 43 games (40 starts) for the Tigers, Diamondbacks and Reds in his four seasons after leaving Florida. He last pitched in the majors in 2011, when he started 13 games for the Reds, going 1-6 with a 5.00 ERA. He signed with the Phillies last December, but was released in spring training and then signed with the Orioles.
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