The Indians announced today that lefty Edwin Escobar has been released to pursue an opportunity with a Japanese organization. The specific team remains unreported. He had recently been designated for assignment, so there’s no impact on the team’s 40-man roster.
Escobar, 24, struggled to a 7.23 ERA in his 23 2/3 MLB innings in 2016, all of which came with the Diamondbacks. The Indians claimed him off waivers after the season ended, suggesting that major-league organizations are still intrigued by his arm despite those difficulties.
Escobar, who rated as a top-100 prospect leaguewide before the 2014 season, has largely underwhelmed since reaching the highest level of the minors that year. Over his 286 total Triple-A innings, he carries a 4.63 ERA with 6.5 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9. Still, he’s certainly young enough to engineer a return to the top level of the game if he throws well in Japan.
I was intrigued by this claim, felt it was a good one for the Tribe. I wish him the best and hope he pitches well.
Just wondering, why did they claim him then?
I read this headline sideways, and for just a moment it read to me as “Indians Release Edwin Encarnacion …”
oy.
Breaking news
You’re not the only one. I saw Edwin E…. and wondered why it wasn’t nine paragraphs long.
A lot like in the previous months, where I would read “Kris Bryant inks multi-year agreement with… (sic) adidas or under armour…” or some such, knowing full well he is a Scott Boras client.
Na
I love when teams write off former top prospects that have only pitched 25 Mlb innings. At least now he’s getting a real chance
Indians release Edwin Escobar to pursue opportunity in Japan….I wonder what opportunity the Indians are planning on pursuing in Japan….lol