The Indians have announced that they’ve designated veteran lefty Bruce Chen for assignment. They also recalled righty Austin Adams from Triple-A Columbus.
The 37-year-old Chen made two starts for the Indians, allowing nine runs (including three homers) while striking out four and walking one. He also posted a 7.45 ERA last season with the Royals. Chen did, however, perform well earlier this season in five starts for Columbus, so (assuming he clears waivers, which seems likely) he shouldn’t have much trouble finding a home on a Triple-A club somewhere. Chen has appeared with the Braves, Phillies, Mets, Expos, Reds, Astros, Red Sox, Orioles, Rangers, Royals and Indians in an MLB career that has now spanned 17 seasons.
He is just plain horrible now
when finesse lefties are done, it really shows.
Bruce Chen seems like he’s been 37 for going on a decade now.
Royals need to sign him as a coach pronto. Great clubhouse influence and a mentor. But his career as a player is done.
The White Sox need to pick him up! Then have him pitch BP to the team so they learn his secrets, and finally figure out how to scratch hits off soft tossers like Bruce, the poster child nemesis of their hitting woes against journeymen.
At a minimum, the Sox should sign him, have him join the club for on field pregame drills, and then duct tape him to the locker once the game starts so that he doesn’t pose a threat to enter a game as a mound adversary.
Cmon, Bruce, only 19 more teams to go to play for the whole league.
Only needs two more to tie Dotel for the all-time record with 13