Cleveland Indians Roundup: Indians Giving Zach McAllister Time to Heal; Bullpen Notes and Rumors

Cleveland Indians being patient with Zach McAllister in his recovery

With Cleveland Indians trade rumors seemingly everywhere, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com answered several questions about the matter in the latest edition of Hey, Hoynsie. He notes that the Indians might choose to focus on acquiring a reliever over Jonathan Lucroy, as the bullpen is potentially a bigger problem and the catcher could require quite a few good prospects. This is my opinion here, but I feel that it is certainly too early to fixate our attention on any one rumored trade. Most likely, the Indians were simply feeling out the market after losing their starting catcher. 

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Also from that piece, Gary from Portland asked if Craig Stammen would be able to help the Cleveland Indians’ bullpen this year since he has been pitching well so far this season in the minor leagues. Hoynes wrote that the right-hander has made minimal appearances so far, and it has been quite some time since he last pitched in the major leagues. Only time will tell if he can stay healthy and relevant.

In other news, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reported that Zach McAllister will spend some more time in the minor leagues before returning to major league action. McAllister, 28, has been on the disabled list for a little bit with a hip injury. He has made a few rehab assignments, but the Indians feel no need to rush him back.

Part of this, of course, is probably because he has not pitched very well this season. He has allowed 16 earned runs in just under 27 innings of work, all on 28 hits and a startling 15 walks. He has, however, been able to strike out a decent chunk of batters with 28 on the season, although that is lower than what he accomplished last season. To add to the list of problems, his velocity has been down a bit this year. Hopefully, he can figure some things out in the minors before rejoining the Cleveland Indians.

More from around the American League Central:

What’s Stopping the Cleveland Indians from Getting Catcher Jonathan Lucroy: Hey, Hoynsie – Cleveland.com

Zach McAllister Getting More Work in Minors Before Activation – Indians.com

Cleveland Indians Roundup: Trade Predictions; Series Preview; Is a Jonathan Lucroy-Ryan Braun Megadeal Likely? – Wahoo’s on First

Kansas City Royals: Evaluating the Pitching Trade Targets – Kings of Kauffman

Detroit Tigers: Minor League Team Makes History – Motor City Bengals