Reinstated LHP Jason Stanford from the 60-day Disabled List; Optioned him to Akron (AA)
Stanford has made a couple starts (an inning apiece) in Mahoning Valley, but he’s a ways away from pitching in the majors. Stanford had Tommy John surgery just about a year ago (7-29-04). He should be in the pitching mix for the Indians next season.
Transferred OF Juan Gonzalez to the 60-day Disabled List (hamstring)
Juan is probably going to miss the rest of the season, barring something miraculous happening.
Optioned IF Brandon Phillips to Buffalo (AAA)
Phillips played sparingly (although you can’t blame Wedge, given how well Peralta and Belliard were playing), but the main reason he was up in Cleveland seemed to be Derek Shelton, the team’s pitching coach and former minor-league hitting instructor. Phillips is good enough defensively to be on a major-league roster right now, but his swing still has too many holes in it. Getting Phillips to take outside fastballs to right field is probably a major hurdle to clear, from what I’ve seen.
Recalled IF Ramon Vazquez from Buffalo (AAA)
Because Travis Hafner isn’t ready to go yet, the Indians called up a middle infielder, although he probably would have been called up anyway. Vazquez is a left-handed middle infielder, and can hit right-handed pitching (career .715 OPS). I’d expect Belliard and Peralta to get some days off now, especially if Hafner comes back. For now, Jeff Liefer is still with the club, and will probably hit against right-handers until Pronk comes back.