Hand accepts any Indians role
ARLINGTON, Texas — All-Star closer Brad Hand kept hearing his name discussed among potential trades last year, but the lefty ended up staying with the San Diego Padres and got a new contract during the offseason.
This time, Hand has switched teams and could have a role a bit different from his in the National League.
“Going into this year, I didn’t really think it was going to happen, after last year,” Hand said Friday in the Cleveland Indians’ clubhouse. “So I was obviously a little bit surprised. But my name was out there and talked about. … (The Padres) got a deal worth taking.”
Hand and rookie right-handed sidearmer Adam Cimber joined the American League Centralleading Indians in time for the first game after the All-Star break, Friday night at the Texas Rangers. Cleveland traded switch-hitting catching prospect Francisco Mejia to the Padres to get the relievers.
Cleveland manager Terry Francona said he spoke to both pitchers and told them: “They won’t feel new for very long.” Francona said he planned to get them in quickly and spoke to Hand about his role after the lefty had 24 saves in 29 chances for the Padres.
The Indians have been without lefthander Andrew Miller, a two-time All-Star, since late May because of an inflamed right knee. They still have closer Cody Allen, who has 20 saves in 21 chances.
“I told (Hand) my biggest thing is keep their workloads even,” Francona said of Allen and Hand. “If that means flip-flopping sometimes, we can. I’d like for the most part for Cody to close games for us, and use Hand and Cimber more in relief, fireman-type, because I think we can leverage them.”
Hand said he is comfortable pitching in whatever role Francona chooses for him.
Miller is scheduled to make his third minor-league rehab appearance Sunday. Francona said Miller will probably need to pitch at least two or three more times but is making good progress.
“He’s working on his pitching, and he’s not so much thinking about his knee and where he’s landing and things like that,” Francona said. “He’s definitely trending in the right way.”