Week in Transactions: Marlon Byrd's suspension sets off transaction chain reaction through organization

Tribe Transactions

May 31

Optioned LHP Ryan Merritt to Columbus (AAA)

Recalled RHP Shawn Armstrong from Columbus (AAA)

As it turned out Armstrong's stay in the majors was very short-lived, as he would soon be replaced by Tom Gorzelanny when a 40-man roster spot opened up. Armstrong has impressed in Columbus, so this won't be the last time you'll see him in Cleveland.

As for Merritt, he waited almost a week in Cleveland before making his MLB debut, and despite the layoff pitched very well imop upup duty against the Rangers. I think Cody Anderson is now the 6th starter on the depth chart with his recent success in Cleveland and Columbus, but I wouldn't be surprised in Merritt has (at least for the time being) has popped ahead of Mike Clevinger for 7th.

June 1

Placed OF Marlon Byrd on the Restricted List (162-game suspension)

Purchased the Contract of LHP Tom Gorzelanny and Recalled him from Columbus (AAA)

Optioned RHP Shawn Armstrong to Columbus (AAA)

Recalled OF Tyler Naquin from Columbus (AAA)

RHP Cole Sulser demoted from Columbus (AAA) to Akron (AA)

OF Jordan Smith promoted from Akron (AA) to Columbus (AAA)

OF Mike Papi promoted from Lynchburg (A) to Akron (AA)

AA: RHP Justin Brantley Released

OF Bobby Ison promoted from Lake County (A-) to Lynchburg (A)

OF Silento Sayles promoted from Extended Spring to Lake County (A-)

Just about every transaction on this day happened as a direct result of Byrd's suspension. Because Byrd was placed on the Restricted List, that gave the Indians an extra spot on the 40-man roster, which they used for Tom Gorzelanny, the third left-hander they've tried in a late-inning role. To replace Byrd on the 25-man roster the Indians recalled Tyler Naquin, causing a chain reaction throughout the minors (Smith/Papi/Ison/Sayles). Byrd's suspension gives both Lonnie Chisenhall and Tyler Naquin more opportunities for playing time. Naquin will play semi-regularly in center (or occasionally right), while Chisenhall should be an everyday player now, not just getting starts against right-handed pitchers. The Indians will be very active on the outfielder trade market even if Michael Brantley returns soon, but in the meantime both players will have their chance to show what they can do in new roles.

June 2

Activated RHP Carlos Carrasco from the 15-day Disabled List

Optioned RHP Mike Clevinger to Columbus (AAA)

Carrasco ended up missing six weeks, which given how the injury looked is a blessedly short amount of time. He was on a pitch count in his start back, but the reins should be loosened for his start in Seattle. Clevinger heads back to Columbus on a down note, his final start only lasting four innings. He still needs time in AAA, but I think he has the pitch repertoire to stick in a major-league rotation eventually.

June 3

AAA: Jarrett Grube placed on Disabled List (retro to June 1 - blister)

AA: SS Eric Stamets placed on Disabled List

SS Angel Miguel promoted from DSL (R-) to Akron (AA)

A-: Placed RHP Yoiber Marquina placed on Disabled List

RHP Erick Algarin promoted from Extended Spring to Lake County (A-)

OF Jose Medina promoted from Extended Spring to Lake County (A-)

Miguel signed with the Indians last year out of Cuba, is 26 years old, and was already in Arizona (he never actually appeared in a Dominican Summer League game). So while you almost never see a jump from the DSL to AA, in this case, it makes sense.

Latest 25-man/40-man Roster

Embiggened Version

Google Docs Version

With the news that Danny Salazar will be pushed back, that means that Cody Anderson will get a spot start on Wednesday. Joba Chamberlain should be returning to the active roster any day now, and I'm 99% sure that Austin Adams will be optioned to make for him.