CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians have designated pitcher Hector Rondon for assignment, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Grady Sizemore.
Rondon, once considered one of the top prospects in Cleveland’s organization, underwent right elbow surgery on Nov. 15 in Florida. Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews repaired a fracture in Rondon’s elbow. The team said he will need 5 to 7 months to recover from the surgery.
Rondon, who had Tommy John surgery in 2010 on the same joint, had been pitching winter ball in Venezuela before he had the operation.
The Indians signed Sizemore as a free agent on Nov. 23, giving him a one-year contract worth $5 million. The 29-year-old can make another $4 million if he reaches incentives based on plate appearances.