P Harden Returns To Cubs In 2009; Team Exercises $7M Option

Chicago, IL (AHN) - The Chicago Cubs exercised the 2009 club option on pitcher Rich Harden's contract Wednesday, one day after an MRI arthrogram showed the hard-throwing right-hander had no structural damage in his pitching shoulder.

The righty will make $7 million for the defending NL Central champs.

The Cubs acquired Harden from the Oakland A's in a six-player midseason deal to bolster their rotation.

He was the losing pitcher in Game 3 of the NL Division Series as the Cubs were swept in three games by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 26-year-old Harden went a combined 10-2 with a 2.07 ERA in 25 starts for the Athletics and Cubs in the 2008 season.

He was 5-1 with a 1.77 ERA in 12 starts with the Cubs.

Harden attended Claremont Secondary School in Victoria, BC and was drafted by the Athletics in the 17th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft.

He has amassed a 41-20 record in his six-year career, while posting a 3.23 ERA with 612 strikeouts.