The Indians announced a batch of minor league options today, as left-handers Logan Allen and Scott Moss, first baseman Bobby Bradley, infielder Yu Chang, and outfielder Daniel Johnson were all optioned to Triple-A Columbus. Johnson and Moss are the only members of the quintet who have yet to reach the big leagues.
Allen is perhaps the headline name of the group, ranked in top-100 prospect listings prior to last season when he was still throwing in the Padres’ farm system. The 22-year-old southpaw was one of the key pieces of the trade package Cleveland acquired from San Diego as part of the three-team deal last summer that also brought Franmil Reyes to the Tribe and sent Trevor Bauer to the Reds (Moss also came to Cleveland in that trade, from Cincinnati).
Allen got his first taste of MLB action in 2019, posting a 6.18 ERA over 27 2/3 combined innings with the Padres and Indians. Small sample size notwithstanding, it was something of a rough year all around for Allen, as he also posted a 5.85 ERA over 80 Triple-A innings last season. Those minor league stats, of course, come with the caveat that Triple-A pitching numbers were inflated across the board in 2019, due in large part to the adoption of the livelier Major League baseball.
There was some speculation that Allen could have begun the 2020 season in the Tribe’s rotation, as Mike Clevinger and Carlos Carrasco were both facing injured list stints for at least the opening couple of weeks. With the schedule now pushed back indefinitely, however, it seems likely that Clevinger and Carrasco will be healthy by the time the 2020 season gets underway, so Allen is now ticketed for Columbus.
Johnson was also seen as a speculative candidate to make the team, given the uncertain nature of Cleveland’s outfield. Johnson hit decently well (.267/.353/.400 over 17 PA) during Spring Training but be sent back to Triple-A for more regular playing time. Acquired from the Nationals as part of the Yan Gomes trade in November 2018, Johnson hit .290/.361/.507 with 19 homers over 547 combined PA at the Double-A and Triple-A levels last season.
well that probably answers most of their question marks
The Indians will probably benefit more than any other team from a later start to the season. Obviously the circumstances that caused the delay aren’t ideal but having Carrasco, Clevinger, and Mercado at (hopefully) full strength could be a big difference.
Maybe the tribe. Maybe the yanks. Fan of neither, just adding the yanks
Bobby Bradley getting the same treatment Jesus Aguilar got.
Maybe, but with Franmil and both Santanas, the best he could have hoped far was a part time role. At least he’ll be getting consistent at bats.
You got that right. Too nervous to use a rookie on a contending team…..
Allen being optioned makes me more optimistic that Clev and Carrasco will be able to pitch on opening day, whenever it is (please come soon!!!!)
Good news. The Tribe swept the Tigers in the Opening Series. Clev had 10 K’s and Lindor is hitting .600 after 3 games. RBI Baseball on XBox is going to have to scratch the baseball itch for awhile.
I feel bad for these guys. There is such a huge difference in pay between the MLB roster and the AA or AAA roster. Makes it really tough on them and their families. We often scoff at the money that professional athletes make but I have huge respect for MLB players who finally make it to the majors at age 28, 29 or 30. They spend their 20’s making less than $50K/yr trying to pursue their dreams and for a lot of them, they have to work a second job and never end up making it to the show. Let’s hope these kids get their shot soon.
no one on a 40 man roster is suffering. there’s a huge difference between being on the 40 and not, much bigger percentage wise than being on the 26 vs being in the minors while on the 40.
Yu Chang? Well that’s just racist