Colorado Rockies Trade Kevin Slowey to Cleveland Indians

Following the news of Fausto Carmona’s arrest in the Dominican Republic the Cleveland Indians wasted no time in adding starting pitching insurance.  Yesterday the Indians sent minor league reliever Zach Putnam to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for right-hander Kevin Slowey.  With Carmona’s status unknown, Slowey is expected to compete for a spot in the Indians rotation this spring.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti downplayed the role Carmona’s situation played in his club’s decision to add another starter.

Antonetti admitted there is “some uncertainty” surrounding Carmona, but added that the trade was made “for a lot of reasons”.  Antonetti noted that throughout the offseason the Indians have always looked for “opportunities to improve” and that Cleveland has targeted Slowey “multiple times”.

Entering the 2011 season, Slowey had spent most of his time as a starter for the Minnesota Twins.  However, the 27-year-old only made eight starts last season before he was traded to the Rockies this December.

Over his five seasons in the bigs, Slowey has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.66 and 1.295 over his 532 2/3 innings pitched.

In exchange for Slowey the Rockies receive right-handed reliever Zach Putnam.  The 24-year-old split the 2011 season between Triple-A (3.65 ERA, 1.217 WHIP, 69 IP) and the majors (6.14 ERA, 1.364 WHIP, 7 1/3 IP).

For more on the Indians and Rockies, be sure to check out Wahoo’s on First and Rox Pile.