Indians outright Rapada

The Cleveland Indians have announced that left-handed reliever Clay Rapada has been outrighted to Triple-A Columbus, a week after being designated for assignment by the club.

Rapada, a 32 year old lefty specialist, has pitched in 6 organizations since signing with the Chicago Cubs as an amateur free agent in 2002. Though he has spent the vast majority of his career in the minor leagues, Rapada has pitched in the big leagues each of the last 7 years.

After spending 5 years in the Cubs system, Rapada was traded to the Detroit Tigers mid-way through the 2007 season as part of the deal that landed outfielder Craig Monroe in Chicago. He would spend the next 2 years in the Tigers organization while receiving sporadic playing time in the majors. In December of 2009, Rapada was traded to the Texas Rangers, whom he spent the entirety of 2010 with.

Following the 2010 season, Rapada signed on with the Baltimore Orioles. He appeared in 32 games for the Orioles in 2011 before being released prior to the 2012 season. Just 3 days after his release, Rapada signed on with the New York Yankees. The 2012 season saw Rapada's playing time drastically increase as he appeared in 70 games for New York, posting a 2.82 ERA in just over 38 innings pitched. He spent all of 2012 pitching in the Indians organization, appearing in just 4 games at the big league level.

For his career, Rapada has a 4.06 ERA and 1.1 WAR in 93 innings pitched. He has been especially dangerous against left-handed hitters, as southpaws have hit just .164 off him for his career.