Starting today (Sept. 1), teams across Major League Baseball will be able to carry 40 players on their active big league roster for the remainder of the regular season, instead of the usual 25. Accordingly, the Indians decided to bring four players to Cleveland as they prepare for the playoffs.
Most notable of the additions is third baseman Josh Donaldson, the former American League MVP acquired in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays Friday night. Donaldson (who will wear No. 27) had been rehabbing a calf injury in the minor leagues but will presumably be available for tonight's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays, although he is not in the starting lineup.
Another notable addition is outfielder Rajai Davis, who has missed nearly two weeks with hemeroids. The 37-year-old has 16 stolen bases in 81 games and will provide more depth to an already-thin outfield.
Also called up from Triple-A Columbus were catcher Eric Haase and relief pitcher Jon Edwards. It's the first big league stint for the 25-year-old Haase, who has 20 home runs and 71 RBIs for the Clippers this year while also throwing out 49 percent of would be base stealers. Edwards, meanwhile, has a 3.63 ERA in 39 2/3 Triple-A innings this season, and also has 31 MLB appearances under his belt (although he has not pitched at the highest level since 2015).
To make room on the 40-man roster for Edwards, fellow reliever Evan Marshall was designated for assignment. Marshall had not pitched in Cleveland since June 18, and had given up six runs in only seven innings of work.
