Cleveland Indians Option Cody Anderson; Recall Kyle Crockett

Cleveland Indians Option Cody Anderson; Recall Kyle Crockett

The Cleveland Indians have optioned struggling starting pitcher Cody Anderson to Triple-A Columbus today.

Anderson struggled in his most recent start, allowing five runs in 5 2/3 innings last night against the Minnesota Twins. In his four starts since being being named the Tribe’s fourth starter, he has posted a 7.65 ERA, which is the worst among American League starters and second worst in baseball (behind only Jorge de la Rosa of the Colorado Rockies). Anderson’s biggest problem has been the home run ball. He’s averaging 2.7 home runs per nine innings, which is the third most in baseball among starting pitchers.

Anderson did have some bright spots as he showed an increase in his strikeout rate and a decrease in his walk rate in the early going this season. He also has seen an increase in his velocity, which has even drew a Matt Harvey comparison this winter.  It remains to be seen how long he’ll be in the minors, but by rule he must remain down for at least ten days… 

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Taking Anderson’s spot on the roster is left-handed reliever Kyle Crockett who was recalled from Triple-A Columbus. Crockett, who has spent parts of each of the previous two seasons with the big league club, will give manager Terry Francona a second lefthander in the bullpen to go along with Ross Detwiler. With the Triple-A Columbus Clippers this season, Crockett had a 1.29 ERA in seven innings.

With the addition of Crockett, the Indians now have an eight-man bullpen once again. Earlier in the week, the Indians announced that pitcher Trevor Bauer would be moving into the rotation taking the place of injured Carlos Carrasco.  However, thanks to multiple off days in the coming days, the Indians will not need a fifth starting pitcher again until May 7th, so the Tribe is able to add Crockett and carry the extra reliever until at least then.

Lonnie Chisenhall Hurt Again

Outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall, who was recently activated from the disabled list, left yesterday’s game with a strained neck. Chisenhall hurt his neck in the fifth inning when he dove for a fly ball that fell in for a hit; however, Chisenhall was able to throw out base runner Danny Santana at third base on the play. Chisenhall remained in the game for another inning before being pinch hit for in the top of the seventh.

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Outfielder Marlon Byrd, who replaced Chisenhall in yesterday’s game, is in right field for the Tribe tonight. Even before hurting his neck, Chisenhall has really struggled since being activated from the disabled list.  In 18 at-bats he has just two hits and one run batted in. Despite the offensive struggles, he has provided some defensive value posting a +1 DRS (defensive run saved), albeit in a very small sample size. The Indians have not said how long Chisenhall will be out and as of now it’s just a day-to-day injury. Hopefully that is all that is and Chisenhall can get back in the lineup and get his bat going.