Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
GOODYEAR, Arizona -- The Cleveland Indians appear to have more competitions for roster spots this spring than the last six years combined with Terry Francona as manager. Add another name to one of those competitions -- Tyler Clippard.
The Tribe signed the 34-year-old right-hander to a minor league deal which includes an invite to big league camp. Francona confirmed that he will be competing for an open spot in the Indians bullpen.
Clippard, a two-time All-Star, went 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA in 73 games for the Blue Jays in 2018. Over 12 major league seasons, he's 52-46 with a 3.16 ERA and 68 saves for eight clubs. He's also appeared in 14 postseason games, three in the 2015 World Series with the Mets.
Losing both Cody Allen and Andrew Miller in the back-end of the Tribe bullpen has created open spots in a 'pen that was filled with so many familiar faces for years.
If Clippard makes Cleveland's 40-man roster, he would receive a $2.5 million salary while in the majors.
The Indians open Cactus League exhibition play on Saturday at Goodyear Ballpark against the Cincinnati Reds. First pitch is set for 3:05 pm ET and can be heard on Newsradio WTAM 1100.
Nick Camino