Cleveland Indians Days of Future Past: Preston Guilmet

Like every other team in Major League Baseball, the Cleveland Indians employ numerous players throughout their organization, from the big-league club in Cleveland to their rookie league team in Arizona and beyond. And like every other Major League franchise, the Indians add and subtract from this player pool on a regular basis. This irregular series will serve to post notice when a former Indians player has done something noteworthy with a quick look back at the player’s time in Cleveland. 

Player: RHP Preston Guilmet

Year(s) in Indians Organization: Drafted by Cleveland in 2009 (9th round), 5.1 IP (4 games) with the Indians in 2013.

Current Team: Baltimore Orioles (acquired via trade on April 7, 2014; Minor-league infielder Torsten Boss was sent to Cleveland)

Sep 2, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Preston Guilmet (36) pitches during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

What He Did: Guilmet didn’t set the world on fire, but the 26-year-old reliever did get to extract a bit of revenge on his former team on Thursday night. Recalled before the game, Guilmet threw 2.1 scoreless innings against the Indians to help extend the game to 13-innings (and the Indians finally broke through against the next reliever, Troy Patton, to win the game), and didn’t give up any walks or hits, striking out one batter.

Why Isn’t He Still in Cleveland:  Guilmet was never highly-regarded as a relief prospect in the Indians system, though he did get a brief cup of coffee in 2013, and underwhelmed. Guilmet relies on location and guts, and allowed eight hits, six runs (all earned) and walked three in his 5.1 IP. With non-roster bullpen invite Scott Atchinson making the club (and thus needing to be added to the 40-man roster), attempted returns by Vinnie Pestano and Blake Wood and a couple more flamethrowing relievers possibly ready in the minors soon (one of whom has already been promoted in LHP Kyle Crockett), the Indians designated Guilmet for assignment on March 30, 2014, though even if he hadn’t been traded, he likely would have been pretty far down in the pecking order to get a real shot at a long-term bullpen role in Cleveland.

Notice a player you remember being in the Indians organization? We’re ever-vigilant, but sometimes we miss guys, too! Send us an email at wahoosonfirst@gmail.com and let us know which former Indians farmhand or player is making noise elsewhere.