Ahead of the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, the Cleveland Indians protected five players by adding them to the 40-man roster on Friday. This is an annual event that occurs each November, so it’s an opportunity to become familiar with some of the organization’s ascending minor league talent.
The five players added to the roster: starting pitchers Mike Clevinger, Shawn Morimando, and Dylan Baker, and outfielders James Ramsey and Tyler Naquin. The Indians only had four open roster sports prior to Friday. But the team also announced the departure of reliever CC Lee, who requested a return to Asia and was sold to the Seibu Lions in Japan.
Clevinger, who turns 25 next month, was one of the most obvious choices after a phenomenal 2015 season. He was acquired in August 2014 from the Los Angeles Angels for Vinnie Pestano. This past season, Clevinger was 9-8 with a 3.02 ERA in 27 games for Double-A Akron. He struck out 145 against 40 walks in 158 innings. He’s a 6-foot-4 right-hander and was a 2011 fourth-round draft pick.
Morimando, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Friday with the announcement, was Cleveland’s 19th-round pick in 2011. He’s a 5-foot-11 lefty who started 28 games in Double-A Akron last season with a 10-12 record and 3.18 ERA. He doesn’t have quite the upside of Clevinger, but his youth and relative success at a high level make him a decent prospect worth potentially protecting.
Baker, who turns 24 in April, was Cleveland’s fifth-round pick in the 2012 MLB Draft. He pitched in only one game in 2015 as he underwent Tommy John surgery in May. He’s expected to be placed on the 60-day disabled list, clearing an extra roster spot for the short term. He has started only 10 games in the High-A Carolina League in his brief minor league career.
Ramsey, who turns 26 next month, was acquired for Justin Masterson back in July 2014 from the St. Louis Cardinals. He was the team’s first-round pick in 2012, but has stalled somewhat in Triple-A. In 155 Triple-A games, he has batted .250/.333/.397. In 160 Double-A games, he batted .271/.370/.466. His prospect status now has declined quite a bit, yet he could find his way to major league playing time next season.
Naquin, who turns 25 in April, is likely the most recognizable name on this list. He was Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2012 out of Texas A&M. Injuries have derailed his playing time over the past two years. He has batted .263/.353/.430 in 50 Triple-A games and .309/.369/.417 in 128 Double-A games. He likely has the inside edge over Ramsey for potential future outfield priority. But the Indians likely will look first to the free agent and trade markets before relying heavily on either player in 2016.
Last season, the Indians also added five players to the roster on Nov. 20 ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. Those five players were third baseman Giovany Urshela, starter Cody Anderson, reliever Shawn Armstrong, catcher Tony Wolters, and lefty Ryan Merritt. Urshela and Anderson had big debut seasons for the Tribe in 2015. Armstrong appeared in eight games down the stretch, while the other two have yet to appear in a major-league game.