Clevelinks: Minor league deals; dominant southpaws; Cleveland Indians out of playoffs already?

The Cleveland Indians ink two pitchers to minor league deals; the Wroundtable returns; and the Tribe’s struggles against lefties are investigated

The Cleveland Indians briefly appeared in headlines yesterday when they signed Perci Garner and Zach Nuding, minor league pitchers, to minor league deals. The Philadelphia Phillies selected Garner, now 26-years-old, in the second round of the 2010 draft. He made it all the way to Triple-A in 2013, but he only pitched a total of 15-innings in Double-A and Triple-A that year.

Working mostly as a reliever, the right-hander strikes out batters at roughly a league average rate and has struggled mightily with his command, as evidenced by his 16.4% walk rate in Double-A last year. It is unknown as to where he will report, but it can be assumed that he will just be a depth signing. The odds that he will make a significant impact this year are limited.

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Zach Nuding, a former 30^th round pick with the New York Yankees in 2010, also throws with his right arm. He split last season between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton, appearing in 14 games for each team. Like Garner, he has been used primarily out of the starting rotation. His command has come and gone, and his strikeout numbers have never really stood out. Now just 25-years-old, Nuding could become an interesting piece if he can develop an off speed pitch. He has flashed 98 on the gun in the past.

In other news, the Weekly Wroundtable made its return. This week, the gang stated whether or not the Yan Gomes injury would knock the Tribe out of the playoffs. Also, Richard Clark looks into whether or not the Cleveland Indians will continue to struggle against left handed pitching. The result could very well surprise you.

More from around the AL Central:

Weekly Wroundtable: No Gomes, No Playoffs for Cleveland Indians? – Wahoo’s on First

Are struggles against southpaws a short-term issue or a long term problem for the Cleveland Indians? – Wahoo’s of First

Kansas City Royals Prospects: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not – King’s of Kauffman

Detroit Tigers: Fantasy Baseball Players to Add from the AL Central – Motor City Bengals

Minnesota Twins Record Lowest Target Field Attendance on Thursday – Puckett’s Pond

Social Media:

Blubber became the first pitcher in almost 50 years to have zero wins despite posting two earned runs and 7+ strikeouts in three straight starts.

Good news for the Indians regarding All-Star outfielder Brantley.

While he has yet to start a game for the Tribe, it looks like we could be looking at Danny Salazar in the rotation long-term with McAllister in the bullpen.

Stay tuned to today’s game — Salazar’s start — against the Twins today and hold judgment on the move until then.

Next: Cleveland Indians to Watch on Road Trip