Another Bullpen Arm - Tribe Invites Donnelly to Camp
Today the Indians added another marginal bullpen guy that “could” make the roster - former Angel and Red Sox hurler Brendan Donnelly. Here is the presser from Bart and the gang at the Indians.
The Cleveland Indians today signed RHP BRENDAN DONNELLY to a minor league free agent contract with an invitation to Major League spring training camp.
Donnelly, 36 , went 2-1 w/a 3.05 ERA in 27 relief appearances for the Boston Red Sox last year (20.1IP, 19H, 7ER, 5BB, 15K) before being placed on the disabled list on June 11 with a strained right forearm. He did not allow an earned run over his last 8 outings prior to his injury (6.2IP). After feeling additional discomfort in subsequent rehab outings Donnelly eventually underwent ligament reconstruction in his right pitching elbow (Tommy John Surgery) on August 14. He will report to camp at the end of March to begin his rehab and is expected to miss the first several months of the season.
Donnelly owns a career Major League record of 25-9 with 4 saves and a 2.88 ERA in 303 relief appearances with Anaheim/LA Angels and the Red Sox (315.2IP, 258H, 101ER, 110BB, 310K) since 2002. He was an American League All-Star selection in 2003, going 2-2 w/a 1.58 ERA in 63 games (74.0IP, 55H, 13ER, 24BB, 79K) and recorded 9 wins in relief for the Angels in 2005. He began his professional pitching career in 1992 in the White Sox organization and later spent time in 5 different minor league organizations (Cubs, Reds, Rays, Blue Jays, Pirates) and a stint in an independent league before latching on with the Angels organization in 2001.
Matt has covered Major League Baseball and the "other two" Pro teams in Cleveland since 1994. He has been on the beat of the Indians in full-time mode since 1996, working for various raido and print networks around the country.
