Cleveland Indians: A Look at September Call-Up Options

Kyle Crockett, Shawn Armstrong, & Tommy Hunter

No surprise names here, as Crockett, Armstrong, and Hunter have all spent time in Cleveland this season. While the back end of the bullpen is set with Cody Allen, Andrew Miller, and Bryan Shaw, Dan Otero has been solid all year, and Mike Clevinger is making a case to be utilized as a bullpen weapon, Francona’s love of relievers is well-documented, and it’s likely a few arms will be added when the rosters expand.

Crockett would give the Indians a second left-handed arm in the pen, and has plenty of experience after appearing in 98 games for the club over the past three seasons as he yo-yo’d between Cleveland and Columbus.

Armstrong has been dominant in Triple-A in 2016, posting a 1.96 earned run average, .164 batting average against, 1.17 WHIP, and 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings in 46 innings of work, and figures to contend for a full-time spot in the big league bullpen in 2017.

The veteran Hunter is currently in Columbus on a rehab stint, connected to the non-baseball injury he sustained to his back over the all-star break, and could conceivably be back with the Indians sooner than September. The 30-year old has made 21 appearances for the Tribe, yielding a 3.74 ERA, 3.15 FIP, and 128 ERA+.

Others that could be in the mix on the mound include the familiar names of Austin Adams, Cody Anderson, and T.J. House, along with prospects like Shawn Morimando, Ryan Merritt, and Adam Plutko, though Plutko is not on the 40-man roster.

Next: Utility Function