Cleveland Indians: Jerry Sands DFA’d to Make Room for RHP Ryan Webb

The Cleveland Indians can’t seem to get the offense going. And when they finally do, the bullpen gives it away. In a “surprise” move, instead of making changes to some of the relievers who aren’t pulling their weight, the Tribe has designated

for assignment.

Sands had been one of the few to be productive offensively–albeit a very small sample–and clearly isn’t a big part of the future plans. If he clears waivers, he could always accept an assignment to Columbus, but that will have to wait to be seen. In 23 at-bats, Sands was slashing a .348/.400/.435 line with two doubles and four runs knocked in.

Unfortunate for Sands is the fact that Nick Swisher may be nearing his return soon, and that may have spelled the end for him anyways. But still, the move seems a bit unusual in that it required Sands to be DFA’d.

Ryan Webb is a veteran that has spent time in San Diego, Baltimore and with the Marlins, having some moderate success in his career. The 29-year-old journeyman has pitched well in his limited time in Columbus, allowing only one run and four hits in 8 1/3 innings.

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The move comes on the heels of an eight-run collapse in three innings by four Indians’ relievers. And it’s pitchers that the Tribe counted on last season to get things done. But at this point, there aren’t many guys on this team that are getting things done. So it stands to reason that any moves made shouldn’t really come as a surprise.