Latest 25-man/40-man Roster
Embiggened version
Google Docs version
McAllister should return this week, replacing Anderson on the roster. Of course, the Indians could (and should) trade for at least one reliever, replacing Austin Adams and Kyle Crockett on the roster. If the Indians add an outfielder, Abraham Almonte would be optioned (with Jose Ramirez becoming the everyday third baseman), and if they add a catcher, Chris Gimenez would be designated (he’s out of options).
If you’re looking for 40-man roster spots, Collin Cowgill, Joey Butler, Tyler Olson, and Jesus Aguilar would be the most likely to go if the Indians make a trade.
Major-League Transactions
July 22
Placed RHP Joseph Colon on the 15-day Disabled List (retro July 19) - right shoulder
Recalled RHP Cody Anderson from Columbus (AAA)
The bullpen merry-go-round continues. I was interested in seeing what Colon would do in an extended trial, but now that’s at the very least on hold. Meanwhile Anderson joins the Indians for the 6th (!) different time this season, and should stick around until either Zach McAllister returns from the DL or the Indians make a trade. The bullpen has gone from being one of the stronger points of the club at the beginning of the year to the obvious weak point.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Indians make multiple acquisitions between now and the August 31st roster deadline (players have to be on the major-league roster by August 31st to be eligible to play in the postseason, though there are exceptions for injury replacements). The obvious role needed is that of a left-handed late reliever, but the team could also use another setup man with the injury to Tommy Hunter (not that Hunter was pitching particularly well at the time he was hurt, but he could have worked himself into a setup role with enough innings).
July 23
Signed LHP Joe Thatcher to a minor-league contract
Yes, Thatcher was with the club in Spring Training, but he lost out to Ross Detwiler for a spot in the bullpen. After leaving the Indians, Thatcher signed with the Dodgers and spent a couple months with their AAA affiliate before being released. Tom Gorzelanny, one of the other left-handers in camp, got his shot after losing out this spring, and now it looks like Thatcher could conceivably get a shot should the Indians not land a left-hander on the trade market. Let’s hope that Thatcher is just insurance.
Minor-League Transactions
July 19
AA: Released OF LeVon Washington
So many false starts, so many injuries, so many years hoping LeVon would finally remain healthy for a full season, but it wasn’t to be. Farewell, #WashTime.
July 22
RHP Nick Pasquale promoted from Akron (AA) to Columbus (AAA)
RHP Cortland Cox promoted from Lake County (A-) to Akron (AA)
C Jack Goihl demoted from Lake County (A-) to Mahoning Valley (SSA)
July 24
AAA: Released OF Bryson Myles
July 25
RHP Nick Pasquale and RHP Will Roberts demoted from Columbus (AAA) to Akron (AA)
RHP Cortland Cox demoted from Akron (AA) to Lake County (A-)
AAA: Placed OF Michael Choice on the Temporary Inactive List
LHP Joe Thatcher assigned to Columbus (AAAA)
RHP Zach McAllister sent to Akron (AA) on Rehab Assignment
OF Jodd Carter promoted from Mahoning Valley (SSA) to Lynchburg (A)
OF Greg Allen and OF Luigi Rodriguez promoted from Akron (AA) to Columbus (AAA)
OF Bradley Zimmer and OF Clint Frazier promoted from Akron (AA) to Columbus (AAA)
The big move of the week (heck, the big move of the month so far). I don’t think this move precludes the Indians from trading either of them, but I do think it shows that the team views both as a potential major-league option in case they can’t land another outfielder and Michael Brantley can’t return to action. AAA isn’t the majors, but there are more experienced pitchers at that level than you’d usually find at AA. At the very least, six weeks of AAA may give them a jumping off point to make the club early next year, and if the team is able to keep both players, figuring out whether one or both make the Opening Day roster would be a very enjoyable problem to have.