The Indians added another arm to their bullpen mix on Friday, acquiring right-handed relief pitcher Dan Otero from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations.
To make room for Otero on the roster, the Indians designated outfielder Jerry Sands for assignment.
Otero, 30, has spent most of this career with the Oakland Athletics, posting a 12-6 record and a 3.46 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 158 appearances. He will join the candidates to be added to the Indians’ bullpen, along with recent acquisitions Kirby Yates, Joba Chamberlain, (reportedly) Joe Thatcher and others.
Sands was made expendable by the recent additions of Collin Cowgill and Joey Butler to the outfield mix.
Tribe and WAKR sign deal
The Indians and 1590 WAKR have agreed to a five-year contract, the station announced in a release this week.
“Nothing says spring, summer and hopefully autumn in Northeast Ohio better than Indians baseball,” WAKR President and General Manager Thom Mandel said in a news release. “Our heritage as a key affiliate for the Tribe continues through this decade, and we are proud to continue our support of the Cleveland Indians on the station greater Akron relies on for Indians baseball.”
According to WAKR, it will carry most spring training games live beginning March 1. The station also broadcasts Tribe Talk during the season and Indians Hot Stove Report during the offseason.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Indians blog at www.ohio.com/indians. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RyanLewisABJ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RyanLewisABJ