Monday March 19th was a busy Spring Training transaction day for the Cleveland Indians.
Optioned to AAA Columbus
Optioned 26 year-old 3B/OF Yandy Diaz to AAA Columbus after hitting .412 with a 1.033 OPS this spring for Cleveland. Diaz hit .263 last season in 156 AB for the Tribe.
Also optioned to AAA Columbus today was 25 year-old catcher Eric Haase who hit .250 with 3 HR this spring in only 13 games. In 2017 for Akron and Columbus, Haase hit .260 / 27 HR/ 61 RBIs.
The Tribe’s final AAA Columbus option was shortstop Eric Stamets. The 26 year-old Stamets hit .286 this spring in 18 games.
Reassigned to Minor League Camp
Outfielder Brandon Barnes (31), a non-roster invitee, after hitting .143 with 3 HRs this spring. Barnes previously played for the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies.
Infielder Richie Shaffer hit .240 in 16 games this spring for the Tribe. Shaffer last played in the majors for Tampa Bay in 2016.
Four right-handed pitchers were also sent to the Tribe’s MiLB camp for reassignment: Preston Claiborne (ST – 8 games/9 IP/ 1W / 8K / 5.00 ERA), Stephen Fife (ST-4 games / 10 IP / 1W / 7K / 2.70 ERA), Cam Hill (ST – 7 games / 8.2 IP / 6K / 1BB / 3.12 ERA) and Neil Ramirez (ST- 9 games / 8 IP / 9K / 6.75 ERA / 5 HR)
Released
Catcher Ryan Hanigan, a non-roster invite, came to camp hoping to find a new home after playing with the Rockies last year. The 37 year-old hit only .154 over 11 games and 13 ABs.
Outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. was given a huge chance to prove himself this spring with 40 ABs. Unfortunately, Upton hit .189 and struck out 12 times.