CLEVELAND -- It's been said time and time again this offseason that the Indians need help in both the outfield and the bullpen. On Friday, Cleveland took another step in an attempt to address one of those needs.
The Tribe announced Friday evening that it claimed right-hander A.J. Cole from the New York Yankees.
Cole, 27, opened the 2018 season with the Washington Nationals, making two starts among four total appearances. The righty was then traded to New York on April 24, where he posted a 4.26 ERA with 16 walks and 49 strikeouts in 38 innings, fanning 11.6 batters per 9 innings in 28 relief outings.
With relievers Cody Allen, Oliver Perez and Josh Tomlin currently on the free agent market, and Andrew Miller now with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Indians' bullpen is in need of extra arms. Claiming Cole gives the Indians another relief option without having to sacrifice anyone from the current roster.
Cole debuted in the Majors with Washington in 2015 and has tossed 148 Major League innings since, spending the majority of his time in the Minors. He was drafted by the Nationals in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of Oviedo High School (Oviedo, Fla.).