The Indians made a series of roster moves on Saturday, calling up two players from the minor leagues.
For starters, outfielder Greg Allen has been recalled from Columbus. The 26-year-old began the season on the big league club, but was later sent back to Triple-A after hitting just .105 in 19 games. However, his fortunes improved with the Clippers, with a .284 batting average in 21 games.
Also joining the club will be left-handed relief pitcher Josh D. Smith, who is making his Major League debut after nine seasons in the minors. A former 25th round draft pick out of Wichita State, the 29-year-old Smith spent time in the Pittsburgh and Boston organizations before signing a minor league contract with the Tribe this past December. He was sent to Columbus after spring training, and has gone 5-1 with a 1.82 ERA over 17 appearances out of the bullpen.
To make room on the active roster for Allen and Smith, the club sent both catcher Eric Haase and starting pitcher Adam Plutko back to the Clippers. Haase went 0-for-6 with a walk in two games for Cleveland, while Plutko went 1-1 with a 6.35 ERA in two starts.
The call-up of Allen will add some outfield depth after veteran Carlos Gonzalez was designated for assignment on Wednesday. However, Plutko being sent down leaves the Indians currently with just four starting pitchers, meaning they will likely have to call someone else up (and send someone down) prior to Tuesday's game in Boston.