CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians cut veteran reliever
Roberto Hernandez on Wednesday and placed outfielder David Dellucci
on the 15-day disabled list.
The team recalled outfielder Ben Francisco and right-hander
Edward Mujica from Triple-A Buffalo.
Roberto Hernandez
Relief Pitcher
Cleveland Indians
The 42-year-old Hernandez, whose 326 saves are 11th on the
career list, was designated for assignment. Cleveland has 10 days
to trade him or place him on waivers.
"This was a very difficult decision because of our respect for
him and for the role he had as a leader in the clubhouse," Indians
general manager Mark Shapiro said. "He doesn't appear to be a guy
who is done. His arm is still strong, is stuff is good. He just
hasn't been consistent."
He went 3-1 with 6.23 ERA in 28 games after signing a $3.5
million, one-year contract as a free agent in December. He was hit
hard Tuesday night in one inning against Philadelphia, allowing
three runs, three hits and two walks.
The right-hander has pitched for nine major league teams since
being called up in 1991 by the Chicago White Sox. He has a 67-69
record and a 3.39 ERA.
Cleveland is responsible for the remainder of his $3.3 million
salary this year and a $200,000 buyout of a $3.7 million team
option for 2008.
Dellucci was hurt running out a ground ball in the fourth inning
Tuesday night. Signed to a three-year contract as a free agent on
Dec. 6, he is hitting .234 (41-for-175) with four homers and 20
RBIs in 54 games. This is his fifth career stint on the DL, but
first since 2003.
"We're waiting for the results of the MRI, but it seems to be
fairly serious," manager Eric Wedge said. "To what degree, we
don't know yet."
The 25-year-old Francisco hit .329 (79-for-240) with six homers,
34 RBIs and 15 stolen bases at Buffalo. He was with the Indians
from May 1-3 and made his big league debut May 1 as a defensive
replacement, but has not had an at bat in the majors.
Mujica was 0-1 with 11 saves and a 6.35 ERA in 22 relief
appearances at Buffalo. In 12 games the past two seasons for
Cleveland, he is 0-1 with a 3.22 ERA.