The Indians on Friday brought some more clarity to their bullpen situation, signing relief pitcher Tommy Hunter to a one-year, $2 million contract.
Hunter, a hard-throwing right-hander, has worked exclusively out of the bullpen since 2013 with the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs. Last year, he had a 4.18 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 60⅓ innings.
Hunter was rock solid in 2013 and 2014 for Baltimore, posting ERAs of 2.81 and 2.97, respectively. As a reliever, Hunter owns a career 3.28 ERA.
Last season, per FanGraphs, Hunter’s fastball had an average velocity of 96.4 mph. That was the 13th fastest among qualified relievers. It also makes him the hardest-throwing member of the Indians’ bullpen. Zach McAllister had the highest ranking among Indians pitchers last season, as his 94.9 mph fastball put him 28th.
Hunter sustained an abdominal or core muscle injury late last year that required surgery over the winter and could delay the start to his season.
Once healthy, he’ll have a place in the Indians’ bullpen. Hunter is likely the fifth relief pitcher who should be assured a spot, along with Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, McAllister and Jeff Manship.
There are a number of pitchers who will compete for the final few spots. Kyle Crockett, Giovanni Soto, Shawn Armstrong, Austin Adams and Dan Otero are all contenders who are already on the 40-man roster.
There are also 10 pitchers invited to camp on minor-league deals who will be given a chance, including Joba Chamberlain, Joe Thatcher, Ross Detwiler, Tom Gorzelanny, Craig Stammen, Felipe Paulino, Joe Colon, Jarrett Grube, Adam Plutko and Will Roberts.
Hunter was tied in rumors to the Tampa Bay Rays, among other teams, prior to signing with the Indians.
To make room for Hunter on the 40-man roster, the Indians have designed catcher Tony Wolters for assignment.
The Indians also announced on Friday that they have signed catcher Guillermo Quiroz to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invitation to spring camp. Quiroz, 34, has spent the last three seasons in the San Francisco Giants organization.
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