Cleveland Indians Roundup: Cody Anderson Recalled; Tyler Naquin Optioned; Not Terrible April

The Cleveland Indians made some expected roster moves

The Cleveland Indians have recalled Cody Anderson and optioned Tyler Naquin to Triple-A Columbus. Anderson will fill in as the Indians’ fifth starter for the time being, and he will hopefully be better than he has been so far this season. Across 20 innings in the majors, Anderson has allowed 17 earned runs on six home runs. Fielder independent pitching feels that a 6.33 earned run average fits his skills, and the home run-adjusted version is not much better.

On the other side of the move lies Tyler Naquin. The 25-year-old has accumulated 55 plate appearances so far, and his .315/.327/.426 slash line gives him a positive review. This said, his subpar defence and base running are problems, and the Indians no longer need him the majors now that Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall have returned to action. 

More from Away Back Gone

• Cleveland Guardians tantalizingly close to locking up AL Central tiebreakers
• Cleveland Guardians: Terry Francona becomes meme in profanity-laced ejection
• Say goodbye to defensive shifts and hello to bigger bases, pitch clock in 2023
• Cleveland Guardians: Shane Bieber second-fastest to 800 strikeouts in major-league history
• The next week will make or break the Cleveland Guardians’ season

In a more retrospective piece, Jeff Mount recounted the successes and failures of April. As he wrote, the Cleveland Indians fielded Collin Cowgill for nine games, which were nine games too many, and they also watched their two best relievers collapse. The team also lacked All-Star Michael Brantley, and Carlos Carrasco sustained an injury after just 22 innings of work.

Despite all these struggles, the Cleveland Indians managed to finish the month without virtually eliminating themselves. In fact, entering last night’s loss, the team still had a 48.2% chance of making the Post Season. Also noted in the piece, the Indians’ other relievers stepped up to post a solid collective earned run average, and Danny Salazar looked like an absolute stud. This could be one great season if the Indians continue this success.

More from around the American League Central:

Cleveland Indians Fall to Royals 7-0 in Cody Anderson’s Return – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians: Hey, April Didn’t Suck – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians Recall Cody Anderson; Option Tyler Naquin – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians Roundup: Indians Win; Series Preview; Roberto Perez out 2-3 Months – Wahoo’s on First