Guardians could re-sign 'valuable' reliever despite DFA

Guardians could re-sign 'valuable' reliever despite DFA originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Guardians had to take someone off the 40-man roster when right-hander Hunter Gaddis returned from the injured list.

On Monday, left-hander Kolby Allard was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. Allard made four appearances and threw 8.2 innings this season before the DFA.

Yesterday, Allard elected free agency after being sent outright to Triple-A, reports Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors. But there is a way he can return to the organization.

"But that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t a move of consequence," Away Back Gone's Henry Palattella wrote Tuesday. "Even though Allard’s early-season results have left a lot to be desired, he’s a solid longman option in the bullpen and is coming off a season where he had a 2.63 ERA and was one of the most valuable pitchers on the roster."

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The Guardians could re-sign Allard, maybe to a minor league deal. It's common for pitchers to deny an outright assignment to Triple-A and then agree to a new contract.

"All that sets up another interesting juncture between Allard and the Guardians," Palattella added. "While the Guardians will likely have interest in bringing him back as a depth arm, Allard would also have a chance to sign with another interested team, should he choose."