The Guardians announced this afternoon they’ve designated minor league right-hander Chris Vallimont for assignment. The move cleared a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Ramón Laureano, who was claimed off waivers from Oakland.
Vallimont, 26, landed in Cleveland in a cash trade with Baltimore a month ago. The Mercyhurst product didn’t make an appearance with the Guards. He spent the past month on optional assignment to Triple-A Columbus, working 10 1/3 innings over seven appearances. He allowed nine runs while walking eight and only striking out four.
The former fifth-round draftee had somewhat better numbers while pitching with the O’s top affiliate earlier in the season. He’d started seven of 10 outings there, pitching to a 5.02 ERA over 57 1/3 frames. Vallimont struck out almost 26% of batters faced with Baltimore’s top affiliate but walked over 12% of opponents. He made the lone big league appearance of his career to date for the O’s on July 3.
With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, Cleveland has to place Vallimont on waivers. He’s gone unclaimed once in his career already. As a result, he’d have the ability to declare minor league free agency if he clears the waiver wire this time around.