The Indians announced that they have designated right-hander Robert Whitenack for assignment. In a related move, the Tribe will place catcher Omir Santos on the 40-man roster.
Whitenack's stay in Cleveland was short as he was just claimed off of waivers by the Tribe on April 3rd. The 24-year-old struggled through 51 1/3 innings at High-A Daytona last season, posting a 5.96 ERA with 5.4 K/9 and 4.7 BB/9.
Whitenack, ranked 23rd among Cubs prospects this offseason by Baseball America, underwent Tommy John surgery in 2011. The publication noted that his velocity was averaging just 90 mph after touching 96 mph in 2011 and that his slider had lost bite. If he can rediscover his 2011 form, BA feels that he has the ceiling of a No. 3 starter.
