Cubs retain starter Rich Harden

CHICAGO, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs have retained right-hander Rich Harden for the 2009 season by picking up his one-year signing option Wednesday.

Harden went 5-1 with a 1.77 earned-run average after the Cubs got him from Oakland July 8, along with pitcher Chad Gaudin, for four players.

In 12 starts for the Cubs, Harden limited hitters to a .149 average after the All-Star break, which led all starters in the major leagues.

Overall, he went 10-2 this season. He struck out 181 in 148 innings for the season and held opposing batters to a .183 batting average with Chicago.

"We are convinced he'll be able to do at least (25 starts) next season," General Manager Jim Hendry said on the Cubs' Web site.

Harden was examined Wednesday by Cubs orthopedic specialist Stephen Gryzlo and was signed after an MRI arthrogram on his right shoulder.

"Rich will go into the off-season to make it stronger and rehab it all winter," Hendry added.