Cleveland Indians Finalizing Roster; Roberto Perez Uncertain

Indians Designate Walters and Soto; Add Byrd and Detwiler

It’s been known since the Cleveland Indians announced they were adding a trio of non-roster players to the roster that several roster cuts were bound to be coming. The Tribe’s 40-man roster was full so adding Marlon Byrd, Ross Detwiler, and Joba Chamberlain (none of which were on the 40-man roster) required three players to be removed, either via trade, designating for assignment or a trip to the 60-Day disabled list. Yesterday we got some clarification finally one a pair of the roster moves as utility man Zach Walters and left-handed reliever Giovanni Soto were both designated for assignment by the Indians.

The moves allowed the team to add outfielder Byrd and left-handed reliever Detwiler to the roster.  Chamberlain remains in limbo for the time being as the Tribe mulls over it’s final roster move.  Right-handed reliever Tommy Hunter remains on the Tribe’s 25-man roster for the moment though he is expected to be placed on the 15-Day disabled list sometime today.

Chisenhall and Brantley to Disabled List

The Cleveland Indians also announced that outfielders Lonnie Chisenhall and Michael Brantley have been officially placed on the 15-Day disabled list.

.@Indians place OF Michael Brantley on 15-day DL, retro to 3/25, OF Lonnie Chisenhall on 15-day DL, retro to 3/28.

Chisenhall has been dealing with some arm and wrist issues of late, which caused him to missed most of the end of spring training. He is eligible to come off the disabled list as early as April 12^th and sounds like that may be all the time he needs though it’s not set in stone. 

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Brantley, of course, has been recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. Despite an amazing recovery, he simply didn’t get enough time in and the shoulder was still sore at times so the Tribe is being cautious and giving him more time to heal. The original time-frame for his return was thought to be May with some even speculating mid-summer. It would appear that Brantley could best all of those and possibly be back in April though that remains to be seen. The Indians need Brantley to contribute at a high level when he returns so expect them to wait until he’s good and ready as to not risk further damage.

Perez Dealing with Concussion Symptoms

More troubling news for the Indians as backup catcher Roberto Perez is dealing with concussion symptoms and may not be available when the season starts today.

It’s this concern that has kept the Tribe from announcing the final roster decision and leaving Chamberlain in limbo. If Perez is ruled out then the Tribe will need to add a backup catcher to the roster and since they don’t have another one on the 40-man roster would need to create space for one. Adam Moore is the one that is likely to get the call and this would keep Chamberlain in limbo for a bit longer.

Hopefully, this is a short-term issue with Perez though concussions are a big concern, especially for a catcher. Don’t be surprised if Moore is added if Perez ends up on the 7-Day concussion disabled list to be on the safe side.  With a pair of days off in the first 8 days, Perez would only miss six games if he spends the minimum time on the disabled list.  Of course, he may not end up on the disabled list at all and could just miss a couple games. Moore could serve as the fourth bench bat/13th position player for a short period until Perez is cleared to play.

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It remains to be seen what the roster move will be regardless of if Perez is healthy or not. Someone has to come off the 40-man, whether it’s for Chamberlain or Moore. The most likely candidates would seem to be first baseman Jesus Aguilar and outfielder Joey Butler; however, they seemed like the most likely ones to be designated for assignment for Byrd and Detwiler, yet weren’t, so perhaps they both survive again.  Perhaps someone like Austin Adams, Ryan Merritt, or even James Ramsey goes instead?  Regardless of who it is, it’ll be a tough choice for the Indians as I’m sure Walters and Soto were as well…