Cubs keeping Rich Harden after shoulder OK

Rich Harden's $7 million option for next year was exercised Wednesday by the Chicago Cubs, one day after a test showed the hard-throwing... CHICAGO — Rich Harden's $7 million option for next year was exercised Wednesday by the Chicago Cubs, one day after a test showed the hard-throwing right-hander had no structural damage in his pitching shoulder. The Cubs acquired Harden from Oakland on July 8. He was the losing pitcher in Game 3 of the NL Division Series on Saturday night as the Cubs were swept in three games by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Harden, 26, went a combined 10-2 with a 2.07 earned-run average in 25 starts for the Athletics and Cubs this season. Harden, who has battled arm problems throughout his career, was 5-1 with a 1.77 ERA in 12 starts with the Cubs. He underwent an MRI arthrogram Tuesday that revealed no tears... [read full story]