Week in Transactions: Cleveland Indians Opening Day roster

Tribe Transactions

March 29

Released OF Shane Robinson

Robinson was picked up the LA Angels a couple days later.

April 3

Placed OF Michael Brantley on the 15-day Disabled List (right shoulder) retroactive to March 25

Placed OF Lonnie Chisenhall on the 15-day Disabled List (left wrist) retroactive to March 25

Designated OF Zach Walters and LHP Giovanni Soto for Assignment

Purchased the Contracts of LHP Ross Detwiler and OF Marlon Byrd

We knew everything above was going to happen with the exception of who would be removed from the roster to make room for Byrd, Detwiler, and Chamberlain. On Sunday two of the players were announced, but because the team didn't yet know whether Roberto Perez would be cleared to play (he took a foul tip right on the catcher's mask on Saturday), Chamberlain has not been officially added to the roster. Should Perez need to go on the 7-day Concussion DL (or would need to sit out a couple games), the Indians will need to add another catcher (Adam Moore) to the 40-man roster, meaning that third DFA will make room for Moore, not Chamberlain. When Perez would be ready to return to action, Moore would be Designated for Assignment, and Chamberlain would finally be added to the roster. Now if the testing on Perez come back negative, then the Indians would proceed as originally planned, with Chamberlain added, a minor-league player designated. In either case, Tommy Hunter would be placed on the 15-day Disabled List to make room on the 25-man roster. Got all that? There's a chart below if you're more of a visual learner.

The first two players to be designated had rather poor springs. Zach Walters was sent to the minor-league camp after a very slow start, which could have been a side effect of shoulder surgery this winter. Soto quickly fell behind four other left-handed relievers in camp, three of whom (Detwiler, Crockett, and Gorzelanny) are still in the organization. This time of the year is one of the best chances for a club to sneak players through waivers, and so there's a decent chance that both stick with the organization.

Latest 25-man/40-man Roster

Embiggened Version

Google Docs Version

As mentioned above, the Indians may have to go with three catchers on the Opening Day roster, meaning that Joba Chamberlain would have to wait to be added to the 40-man roster. If Perez is fine, then the above will be team that takes the field this afternoon.

AL Central Opening Day Rosters

Google Docs Version

An updated view of the Tribe's AL Central rivals. LGFTs Jerry Sands and JB Shuck made Chicago's roster (thanks to Adam LaRoche's retirement). The Tigers will begin the year with 6(!) players on the 15-day Disabled List, including Daniel Norris and Cameron Maybin. Jarrod Dyson began the year on the shelf as well, continuing a bad trend for AL Central center fielders this spring.

The Tigers not surprisingly begin the year with the division's highest 25-man payroll (including the Disabled List) at approximately $194M. The Royals are a distant second ($120M), then comes the White Sox ($108M), the Twins ($105M), and the Indians at $94M ($17M of which is being paid to players no longer in the organization).

Kansas City Royals

Embiggened Version

Detroit Tigers

Embiggened Version

Chicago White Sox

Embiggened Version

Minnesota Twins

Embiggened Version