Michael Brantley optioned to Class AAA Columbus for the second time this season, while Wes Hodges is designated for assignment.
View full sizeMichael Brantley is headed back to Columbus after struggling during his second go-around with the Indians in 2010.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Josh Tomlin has arrived to start against the Yankees tonight at Progressive Field. Michael Brantley was optioned to Class AAA Columbus to make room, while first baseman Wes Hodges was designated for assignment to clear a spot for Tomlin on the 40-man roster.
Tomlin was a non-roster player and had to be added to the 40-man.
In 20 games at Columbus, Tomlin went 8-4 with a 2.68 ERA. He made 17 starts and three appearances in relief. He allowed three or fewer runs in 16 of his 17 starts.
Tomlin was a 19th round pick by the Indians in 2006 out of Texas Tech Univeristy. He went 14-9 with a 4.16 ERA last year at Class AA Akron.
He has the daunting task of facing 13-game winner CC Sabathia and one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball tonight in his big league debut. The Yankees have the best record in the big leagues.
Not to mention Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez needing one homer to reach 600.
Tomlin was called up because Aaron Laffey was placed on the disabled list Friday with a tired left shoulder.
Brantley was optioned for the second time this season. He's hitting .157 (16-for-102) in two tours with the Tribe this year.
Hodges, the Indians second round pick in 2006, had a great spring with the big league club in Goodyear, Ariz. He had a good start at Columbus this year, but was hitting .269 (96-for-357) with nine homers and 46 RBI.