The Indians have made some roster tweaks today, per a club announcement, with right-hander Alexi Ogando joining the active roster after his contract was selected. Meanwhile, southpaw Jeff Beliveau and third baseman Gio Urshela were designated for assignment (the latter upon his activation from the DL).
Ogando, 34, makes his return to the majors after spending the 2017 season with Korea’s Hanwha Eagles. He worked as a starter in the KBO after three campaigns functioning exclusively from the pen, and has remained in the rotation since joining the Cleveland organization on a minors deal.
In four starts this year at Triple-A, Ogando has compiled 18 2/3 innings of 2.89 ERA ball with 6.8 K/9 against 2.9 BB/9. The debate over his role with the Indians won’t be as strident as it was back when he was a quality young pitcher for the Rangers, but it seems Ogando could either move into a traditional relief role or be utilized as a swingman.
Things have not gone well thus far for Beliveau, who had earned a promotion with a compelling showing to open the year at Columbus. In 3 1/3 innings since moving to the majors, he has allowed four earned runs on five hits and four walks while recording only a pair of strikeouts.
The decision to place Urshela in DFA limbo is somewhat more interesting, as he has been considered a part of the team’s MLB depth in recent seasons. That said, it’s hardly surprising that the Indians lost patience. While Urshela is regarded as a quality fielder, he has not produced at the plate in limited MLB action. In his 42 rehab plate appearances this season at Triple-A, though, Urshela turned in a useful .324/.405/.432 bating line.
Cardinals need to claim Giovanny Urshela!! I really like him and thar would make me so happy!!
Good D, no bat.
He had every opportunity with CLE, but major league pitching just baffles him. Somebody will claim him, but there are about 10 guys just like him bouncing around from team to team right now. Gotta start hitting some time.
Gio has great defensive skills, just never found the bat. Someone will pick him up for sure.
Good move by CLE to DFA Urshela. Excellent glove, but the guy is just never gonna hit more than .220 in the majors. Someone will claim him. Hopefully Ogando can do his part to stop the bullpen hemorrhaging. Pen ERA has been over 9.00 in the past 10 games.
Ursehla is just a devwn marrero 2.0
So he’s better than Marrero?
Alexi Ogando’s ERA was under 4.00, six of 7 seasons, Somehow he’s 34.
Now dump Tomlin and Otero…
I’d rather dump McAllister than Otero
Him too…and another poor outing by Tomlin with 3 dingers ought to seal his fate in this rotation.
I’d like to hope so, especially since Merritt should be back fairly soon and Salazar will be back later on too (Shane Bieber is lurking too).
But I’d be shocked if they actually got rid of him considering how loyal they are to their veterans.
tomlin is a “friend of tito”.. much like michael martinez. he’ll always find a spot for him, i’m afraid.
Yeppers. I am clueless how “One Pitch” Zach has lasted this long.
The Indians didn’t “run out of patience” with Urshela as much as they just didn’t have room for him on the roster since he’s out of options. I like him, but he’s not as positionally versatile as Erik Gonzalez, who’s better suited for a utility role than Urshela is. Someone will probably claim him though because he’s already a really good defender and he’s young enough to take a chance on the bat developing.
Time to designate Ogando now. He looked hoRRible tonight.
Then bring up who? Not many options in AAA
I’d rather keep Ogando for now since he can give a little length in the pen. That said, I’d imagine Neil Ramirez would be the next option from Columbus.
If I had to guess, I’m thinking they’re getting a couple calls on Urshela and will end up dealing him for a low-end reliever that they think will help out the ‘pen. He doesn’t have much trade value, less when they’re handcuffed right now, but he still might be the piece a team is looking for, maybe an NL team needing a defensive replacement.