Cleveland Indians Recall Shawn Morimando; Designate Michael Martinez

Cleveland Indians Recall LHP Shawn Morimando; Designate UT Michael Martinez

After their 19 inning marathon yesterday, the Cleveland Indians added some depth to the bullpen, calling up left-handed pitcher Shawn Morimando from the minor leagues. It was originally believed that Morimando could start this afternoon’s game (he is a starter by trade); however, Zach McAllister will get the nod as the Indians look to go with a “bullpen” day. To make room on the 25-man roster, the Indians designated utility man Michael Martinez for assignment.

Despite the bullpen throwing eight innings yesterday (not counting Trevor Bauer‘s five innings), the Indians are able to go with a “bullpen day” today as only Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen had pitched in the previous three days. Allen, of course, had yesterday off after working three in a row so he should be rested for today. Shaw may not be available but the addition of Morimando would keep the available pen arms at eight still, with nine today guys out there. 

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Morimando was 10-3 with a 3.09 ERA and 3.72 FIP in Double-A this season. He made 16 starts with the Akron Rubberducks and was actually in Pawtucket to make a spot start for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers today. He was ranked as our 29th best prospect in the Tribe’s system heading into the 26th season. He was also added to the team’s 40-man roster this past fall to avoid the Rule 5 draft.

According to Paul Hoynes, the Indians had hoped to start Morimando but weren’t sure if he’d get to Toronto in time for the game as he had to travel from Pawtucket back to Akron to pick up his passport before traveling north. In fact, the whole series of events leading up to Morimando getting to Toronto was quite interesting…

Needless to say, I don’t think Morimando will ever forget his first big league call-up…

The loss of Michael Martinez leaves the Indians with just a two-man bench for this afternoon’s game. Only catcher Yan Gomes and starting shortstop Francisco Lindor will be on the bench today. The Tribe will almost certainly make another move Sunday, likely Morimando going back down, to add a position player. It won’t be Martinez but very well could be Abraham Almonte who has been playing well in his “rehab” following his 80-game suspension. Martinez meanwhile leaves the team after batting .283 in 32 games. He made starts at five different positions: CF, LF, RF, 2B, and 3B. He was removed from the 40-man and will have to clear waivers before he can go to Columbus, or he could opt for free agency.

Indians Purchase Contract of RHP Joe Colon

The Indians made one other roster move today, adding right-handed pitcher Joseph Colon to the 40-man roster. This somewhat odd move was made due to the fact that Colon had an opt-out in his contract to leave the Tribe organization and become a free agent today. Instead, by adding him to the 40-man the Indians are able to ensure that he makes the start for Triple-A Columbus today, taking the place of Morimando.

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The Indians will need to make a 40-man roster move at some point soon if they are to bring back Almonte, who was off the 40-man while on suspension. There’s a decent chance Colon could be that player though Collin Cowgill, Joey Butler, and even Jesus Aguilar could be options as well. Colon has made 11 appearances with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers this season, all in relief. In 13 innings he’s 0-1 with a 0.69 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 3.22 FIP. The 26-year-old was originally a 12th round pick of the Tribe back in 2009.