Former Twins pitcher Anthony Swarzak has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians.
Puckett’s Pond reports Swarzak’s contract includes an invite to Spring Training with the Indians, giving him a chance to crack the 25 man roster.
Swarzak likely would have a long relief role in Cleveland similar to what he had with the Twins. But he’d have to show improvement over his 3-2 record with a 4.60 ERA between four starts and 46 relief appearances with the Twins in 2014.
According to Hardball Talk, Swarzak was a workhorse in the Twins bullpen. His 237 1/3 innings are the second-most in Major League Baseball since 2012.
The website notes Minnesota was reluctant to use Swarzak in a close game. He became a free agent in November after he refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Rochester.
His best season was 2013, when he went 3-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 48 games. That year he recorded 69 strike outs and had a 6.5 K/9 ratio.
Swarzak has spent his entire five-year career in Minnesota. He was drafted in the second-round of the 2004 amateur draft.
By signing with Cleveland Swarzak will remain in the American League Central and will be able to use much of the knowledge he gained over the years in Minnesota against familiar foes in the division.
