Indians claim A.J. Cole off waivers from Yankees

Update: The Indians have announced the transaction, saying it was a waiver claim.

The Cleveland Indians have acquired right-handed pitcher A.J. Cole from the New York Yankees, according to a league source.

Cole, 27, was acquired by the Yankees from the Washington Nationals in April. He was designated for assignment recently after an up-and-down 2018 season to make room for recently-signed infielder Troy Tulowitzki on New York’s roster.

He appeared in 28 games with the Yankees this past season (all of them out of the bullpen), while starting in two of the four games he appeared in with Washington. Between both teams, Cole pitched in 32 games, picking up a 4-2 record with a 6.14 earned run average. Through 48.1 innings, Cole allowed 38 runs on 55 hits while surrendering 22 walks and picking up 59 strikeouts.

Cole was drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Nationals. He was later traded along with Tommy Milone, Derek Norris and Brad Peacock to the Oakland Athletics for Robert Gilliam and Gio Gonzalez. However, Cole found his way back to the Nationals following a three-team trade with the Athletics and Seattle Mariners that sent him, Ian Krol, and Blake Treinen to the Nationals, while John Jaso went to Oakland and Michael Morse went to Seattle. Cole made his major league debut in 2015 against the Atlanta Braves.

Cole will have to compete with other young pitchers for a spot on Cleveland’s Opening Day roster, but the future looks bright for the new Indians hurler.