Cleveland Indians Days Of Future Past: Hector Rondon

Hector Rondon Delivering On Promise He Showed With Indians Organization

Like every other team in Major League Baseball, the Cleveland Indians employ numerous players throughout their organization, from the big-league club in Cleveland to their rookie league team in Arizona and beyond. And like every other Major League franchise, the Indians add and subtract from this player pool on a regular basis. This irregular series will serve to post notice when a former Indians player has done something noteworthy with a quick look back at the player’s time in Cleveland.

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Player: Hector Rondon

Why He’s In The News:

Recorded 20th Save of the season for the Chicago Cubs (VIDEO LINK) in their 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Years With The Indians:  Signed as an international free agent out from Venezuela in 2004. Pitched for Tribe;s minor league system from 2004 through the 2012 season.

How/Why Departed: 

He was at  one time a top starting pitching prospect but after several years battling arm issues including Tommy John surgery and a fracture to the same elbow while coming back the Indians did not feel another team would select him in the Rule 5 draft; therefore, he was left unprotected. The Chicago Cubs selected him with the second pick in the 2013 Rule 5 draft and he spent the 2012 season on their roster.

His Future:

Like the 2013 season he opened the 2014 season in the setup role but after free agent Jose Veras failed in the closers spot the Cubs turned to a closer by committee approach.

Rondon emerged from the committee to take hold as the teams closer. On the season he has appeared in 51 games posting a record of 3-4 with a 2.86 ERA and has 20 saves. Heading into the offseason he has firmly entrenched himself as the clubs closer for 2015.

Notice a player you remember being in the Indians organization? We’re ever-vigilant, but sometimes we miss guys, too! Send us an email at wahoosonfirst@gmail.com and let us know which former Indians farmhand or player is making noise elsewhere.