CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have traded left-handed pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to the Washington Nationals for three minor league prospects -- right-handed pitcher A.J. Morris, left-handed pitcher Graham Hicks and outfielder Michael Burgess, according to two major league sources.
The trade is pending a physical that Gorzelanny is expected to take on Tuesday.
The Cubs felt it was necessary to make this move because of payroll constraints, and they felt comfortable with their depth on the pitching staff after acquiring starter Matt Garza from the Rays.
The move leaves the Cubs without a starting left-handed pitcher, although they've discussed moving reliever James Russell into a rotation spot.
Gorzelanny was 7-9 with a 4.09 ERA last season.
Bruce Levine covers baseball for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.