Indians reclaim Canzler, set to introduce Swisher
The Indians reclaimed Russ Canzler on waivers from Toronto on Wednesday after designating him for assignment Dec. 18.
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Russ Canzler is back with the Indians. Nick Swisher is on his way.
Canzler, who was designated for assignment last month, was reclaimed by Cleveland on Wednesday. Canzler had been designated for assignment last month when the Indians signed free agent first baseman Mark Reynolds.
Canzler could become the Indians' full-time designated hitter if the club doesn't make any more moved in what has been a busy offseason.
On Thursday, the club is expected to introduce Swisher, who agreed to terms on a four-year, $56 million deal in December. Swisher will take a physical, and as long as there are no holdups, the 32-year-old will be introduced at a press conference in Progressive Field. Swisher fills a hole in right field after the Indians traded Shin-Soo Choo to the Cincinnati Reds as part of a three-team, nine-player swap.
Swisher's deal includes a $14 million option for 2017 that could become guaranteed based on plate appearances the previous year.
Swisher spent the last four seasons with the New York Yankees. A switch-hitter, he batted .272 in 2012 with 24 homers and 93 RBIs. The Indians are counting on him to bring power to a lineup that hit just 136 homers - second-fewest in the AL.
The Indians are also expected to finalize their deal with right-hander Brett Myers, who agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal on Tuesday. Myers, too, must pass a physical before he can be added to the roster.
To make room for Canzler, right-hander Jeanmar Gomez was designated for assignment.
Canzler batted .269 with three homers and 11 RBIs in 26 games last season for Cleveland after spending most of the year at Triple-A Columbus. The 26-year-old batted .265 with 22 homers and 79 RBIs in 130 games for the Clippers.
Gomez opened last season in the Indians' starting rotation, but was sent to the minors June 24 with a 4-7 record and 5.18 ERA. He was recalled Aug. 29 and spent the remainder of the season in Cleveland. Gomez finished 5-8 with a 5.96 ERA in 17 starts.
