CLEVELAND – The Indians traded right-handed Adam Plutko for the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, a move that brings some clarity to the bullpen’s situation.
Cleveland will get a player to be named or money in exchange for Plutko, who was out of the minor league options and seemed to be destined for a major role this season. The 29-year-old has played 50 games and played 36 games for the Indians since 2016.
Plutko’s departure seems to point to Logan Allen, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill, all on the Indians’ opening list.
Coach Terry Francona said the first three spots in the rotation were set with AL Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale. Allen, who is left-handed, appears to have taken fourth place after a strong camp. He threw five shutout innings at the start on Friday.
McKenzie or Quantrill will either be the fifth starter or go to the bullpen. McKenzie makes his last showing on Sunday against San Diego.
Plutko was the Cleveland player’s representative last season. The right-handed has been versatile for Francona for the past few seasons. He shot relieved in 2020, going 2 to 2 with an ERA of 4.88 in 10 games, including four matches.