Oh, Indians. In a predictable, albeit still disappointing turn of events, Tribe pitcher Carlos Carrasco was not only moved to the 60 day DL and shut down for the rest of 2011, but will have Tommy John surgery and miss all of next season as well.
↵Carrasco seemed to turn a corner for much of 2011. In a brilliant five start stretch in June, he pitched 36.2 innings and only gave up four runs with a 22:5 K:BB ratio. But July was another story as his ERA ballooned up from 3.54 to 4.67.
↵He blew up against Kansas City, giving up a grand slam and then throwing at Billy Butler, earning a suspension. After the appeal, Carrasco made one start in August and was shut down. Reports surfaced a few days ago that the former Phillies prospect and main chip of the Cliff Lee trade would need Tommy John surgery and this news was confirmed today.
↵The Indians countered with a minor move, claiming pitcher Jason Rice off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, moving him to Columbus and adding him to the club’s 40-man roster. Rice was acquired in the A’s trade of Connor Jackson to the Red Sox and did not make a single start in the A’s organization.
↵Rice, 25, has a career 3.91 ERA in seven seasons and 543 minor league innings with 589 Ks. The right-hander is a bit erratic, walking 5.2 batters per nine and owning a career 1.41 WHIP.