TJ House optioned to Triple-A by Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians have optioned pitcher TJ House to Triple-A, Paul Hoynes confirmed on Twitter earlier today. House was one of four starters thought to be competing for the Tribe's fifth starter position heading into spring training. With Mike Clevinger having been cut last week and how House being shifted to Triple-A, it now appears to be a two-man race between Josh Tomlin and Cody Anderson.

House started only four for the Indians last year, in which he allowed 19 runs and issued 12 walks for a cumulative 13.15 ERA before he was put on the disabled list. Shoulder inflammation was thought to be the culprit, but House's injury became even worse when he attempted a series of rehab starts in late May. He was eventually put on the minor league disabled list on June 10 and shut down for the remainder of the season.

The simultaneous emergence of Josh Tomlin and Cody Anderson seemed to put House out of a job, but he had a chance to compete for the fifth starter position this spring along with youngster Mike Clevinger. However, he has not looked great in his 9.2 innings of work this month, allowing six earned runs and issuing three walks to only four strikeouts.

With the recent revelation that Josh Tomlin will be used between the bullpen and starting rotation, it looks as if the fifth starter role could be going to a mix of Tomlin and Anderson out of spring training.