The Indians announced that they designated left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz for assignment. The move creates 40-man roster space for waiver claim Rick VandenHurk.
De La Cruz posted a 4.19 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 6.0 BB/9 in 86 innings as a starter and reliever at Double-A last year. The 6'5" 23-year-old has typically walked and struck out lots of opponents, as his career rates of 8.9 K/9 and 4.9 BB/9 indicate. The Indians originally sent De La Cruz to the Rangers on February 21st before re-acquiring him six days ago. He made one appearance for Texas before being returned to Cleveland.
For God’s sake, Cleveland, make up your mind. Do you want this kid or not?
What a strange trip for De La Cruz. I think if no one picks him up, Cleveland can keep him for this season. The obviously don’t think much of him. They should just do the merciful thing and let him try his hand with another organization.
I don’t get it. They send him to Texas, just to trade to get him back, just to let him go????? They lose him and the prospect/money they gave to Texas a few days ago. Is there some sort of loop hole thing that Texas and Cleveland are exploiting?
I’m guessing they’re assuming nobody will snag him off waivers, because they didn’t have room on their 40 man roster. I doubt they’re looking to get rid of the kid.
If I were a GM, I’d grab him off waivers and then let Cleveland trade trade me for him again. That seems to be their m.o., right?