The Cleveland Indians announced on Tuesday what plenty had already known – that the team had come to terms with free agent left-handed reliever Boone Logan on a one-year tender with an option for the 2018 season. The corresponding move that was unknown coming into the day was which player would be losing his 40-man roster spot to make room in the bullpen for the 32-year-old left-hander.
That decision has been made, as the club has designated right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment. The team has seven days to trade him, release him, or attempt to pass him through waivers with the intention of outrighting him to the minors.
Adams has been a part of the Indians bullpen in each of the last three seasons, but has spent a far greater part of each year at Triple-A Columbus.
The 30-year-old was a fifth round pick in the 2009 draft and a one-time starter in the organization. He spent his first season in the Indians organization in the bullpen, but was moved into a starting role in 2010 with good results and a high strikeout rate. After making 26 starts for Double-A Akron in 2011, he was set to attend Major League spring training the following season, but he suffered an injury to his throwing shoulder in his first outing and missed the entire season after undergoing reconstructive surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff.
He returned as a reliever once again and put up good numbers in 2013 with Akron and 2014 with Columbus before getting the call to the Majors. In his three seasons in an Indians uniform, he was 2-0 with one save, a 6.29 ERA, and a 1.60 WHIP in 53 games.
Logan’s deal becomes official with the Adams’ move. He is set to earn $5.5 million this coming season with a $7 million team option for 2018. If the team elects to pass on his option, he will be paid a $1 million buyout on the deal.
The reliable left-hander has been strong against left-handed hitters throughout his career, but especially during his time in Colorado last season. In his eleventh season in the Majors (dating back to his debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2006), he limited lefties to a .142/.222/.255 batting line while striking out 40 of the 119 that he faced.
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