Grudzielanek Released, Hernandez Called Up

The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has purchased the contract of infielder Anderson Hernandez from AAA Columbus. To allow room for Hernandez on the Major League and 40-man rosters the Indians designated infielder Mark Grudzielanek for assignment.

Hernandez, 27, was originally claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on March 17th. He was outrighted to AAA Columbus on April 8th and so far this year he has batted .234 (40-171) with 13 runs scored, 4 doubles, a home run and 17RBI in 47 games with the Clippers. With the Clippers, Hernandez has made 39 starts at shortstop and 8 at second base.

The Santo Domingo, DR native spent all but one game of the 2009 season with the New York Mets and Washington Nationals during which he hit a combined .251 (92-366) with 39 runs scored, 15 doubles, 4 triples, 3 home runs and 37RBI in 123 games. After being traded from the Nationals to the Mets on August 6th he proceeded to hit .303 (53-175) with 20 runs scored, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 3HR and 18RBI in 58 games to close out the season. Originally signed by the Detroit Tigers as a non-drafted free agent in 2001, he owns a career Major League batting average of .245 (131-534) with 4HR and 57 RBI in 186 games spanning parts of five seasons with the Mets and Nationals. He wears #20.

Grudzielanek batted .273 (30-110) with 10 runs scored, zero extra base hits and 11 RBI in 30 games. He had injurred his hamstring on Sunday and with the Indians needing an infielder and a roster spot the Indians had to part ways with him.

Posted in: Anderson Hernandez,Mark Grudzielanek