CHICAGO — Right-hander Rich Harden's $7 million option for next year has been exercised by the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs acquired the hard-throwing right-hander from Oakland on July 8. He was the losing pitcher in Game 3 of the NL playoffs on Saturday night 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 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.