The Indians have released outfielder Will Venable and left-hander Joe Thatcher, as Jordan Bastian of MLB.com tweets.
Venable, 33, was traded from the Padres to the Rangers in August of last year.  After hitting .258/.318/.378 in 308 plate appearances for San Diego, Venable’s slash line dropped to .182 .325 .227 in 82 plate appearances for Texas.  In total, Venable slashed .244/.320/.350, numbers that were a step up from 2014 but not in step with his previous Padres seasons.  The Turner Gary Sports client would have received a $1.5MM base with up to $2MM in incentives had he made the Indians’ roster.
Thatcher was informed on Saturday that he would not be making the team.  Thatcher could have accepted a minor league assignment with a June 1st opt-out date, but he apparently requested his release instead.  The 34-year-old pitched to a 3.18 ERA with 10.3 K/9 and 4.8 BB/9 across 43 appearances last season.  Those 43 outings came across two separate stints for the Astros as he was designated for assignment in July and re-signed in August.  In a small sample size of 3.2 IP, Thatcher allowed just two hits, fanned four, and walked only one batter in his second turn with Houston.
Both will get picked up by someone. Venable was a quality everyday player 2010-2013.
Agreed. Venable may not still be starter material, but he brings a lot of tools to the table. Thatcher can still get lefties out. They might have to suck it up and report to AAA for the team that claims them, but I don’t honk we’ve seen the last of either of them in the bigs.
Brewers could use Thatcher in the pen now that Smith is out. Cappy/Morales aren’t the most promising lefty options to have in the pen.
Brewers should sign both
It’s unfathomable how Blaine Boyer made the cut.
Brewers could use Thatcher in the pen now that Smith is out. Could be a better lefty option than Cappy/Morales.
Dodgers will pick both up they need a lead off and middle relievers
Dodgers will pick both of them up will solve Eithier outfield problem and give them a lead off batter and a middle reliever
Padres should pick Venable back up!
I agree.
I don’t agree.
Dodgers need leadoff batter and reliever perfect fit
Dodgers need a lead off and a reliever might be a good pick for the boys in blue it will also solve the Ethier injury problem and the crawford bad deal trade him for a future prospect.