Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs are looking to make some moves ahead of the MLB trade deadline, and they made one move on Friday. Clayton Richard was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations and he made his first start yesterday against the Miami Marlins. He did an excellent job, and is without question looking like a steal for the Cubs.

During his first start with the Cubs, Richard ended up pitching 6.1 innings while giving up just two runs and eight hits. He struck out four batters and showed major poise.

Richard is exactly the type of small pickup that the Cubs needed, and could be a long-term option for them. He is 31 years old, and hasn’t had an easy road to the major leagues. That being said, he is very excited about the opportunity that the Cubs are giving him and he is ready to prove himself to be a legitimate starter.

“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity and I’m also very grateful for the opportunity the Pirates gave me,” Richard said in an interview with the Indianapolis Star. “The organization, through the spring and this season, gave me a chance to go out and get better and improve. I’m really grateful for what the coaching staff was able to do to help me and get me in position to make the next jump.”

Looking ahead to the trade deadline, the Cubs are likely still interested in making some major moves. They could still use another big name in their rotation, and there are going to be a few of them on the market. That being said, there is a very good chance that the Cubs will keep him in the rotation even if they do acquire a big arm at the deadline.

It will be very interesting to see what ends up happening with the Cubs over the next few weeks. As of right now, they would finish with the second wild card spot in the National League. They have been very impressive to say the least, and there is a buzz surrounding the Cubs for the first time in a long time.

Chicago has finally been able to put together a potent offense, but they have to come up with more pitching help in order to reach their full potential. Richard may not be a big name, but he is more than capable of being a big piece for their playoff hopes. Hopefully he can continue playing at a high level for the rest of the season, and prove his first start to be exactly what the Cubs can expect to see every time he takes the mound.

Evan Massey is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Massey_Evan and like him on Facebook.