Cleveland Indians Activate Joba Chamberlain from Disabled List: Option Cody Anderson

Cleveland Indians Activate Chamberlain from DL; Option Anderson to Columbus

As expected, the Cleveland Indians have activated right-handed reliever Joba Chamberlain from the 15-day disabled list. Chamberlain had been on the disabled list since May 23rd with a left chest strain. To make room for Chamberlain, the Indians optioned starter Cody Anderson back to Triple-A Columbus. 

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

Chamberlain was in the midst of a bounceback season before the injury slowed him down.  In 14 appearances, Chamberlain had a 1.93 ERA while striking out more than a batter an inning (9.64 K/9).  His ERA is second on the team behind only fellow reliever Dan Otero (0.75). His 0.86 WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) was the lowest on the team prior to hitting the disabled list. Chamberlain’s addition brings the bullpen total back up to the eight it’s been for most of the 2016 season.

Anderson was last night’s starter, taking the place of Danny Salazar who needed to be pushed back due to shoulder fatigue. Anderson struggled, allowing six runs in just 3 2/3 innings of work. While disappointing, Anderson was going to be optioned to Triple-A regardless of how he pitched in that game. Danny Salazar is scheduled to start Sunday so the Indians only required his services for a single starter. Anderson will return to Columbus where he’s made three starts and posted a 2.30 ERA.

Next: Indians Have Options to Replace Byrd, Brantley

With Chamberlain activated from the disabled list, only outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) and catcher Roberto Perez (finger) remain on the disabled list. Neither appears close to returning with Perez not eligible for return for a few more weeks due to being on the 60-day disabled list. Recent reports suggest that Brantley’s shoulder could keep him out for a “significant” amount of time though the Indians themselves have not confirmed that.