Former Michigan All-American pitcher Zach Putnam has reached his goal of getting to the major leagues.
The Indians called Putnam up from Triple-A Columbus prior to Cleveland’s game at Texas on Tuesday night. Now, he plans on wearing an Indians jersey for the 2012 opener as well.
“He’s a guy that we like,” Indians manager Manny Acta said upon Putnam’s arrival. “We feel that he has the stuff to be an option for us next year, to be in the mix. We’re going to take a look at his last couple weeks and see what he can do up here. He had a pretty decent year for us in Triple-A. We feel he’s got some out-pitches that can help us.”
Putnam, 24, was 6-3 and had nine saves in 44 appearances at Columbus with a 3.65 ERA. He struck out 68 and walked 23 in 69 innings.
“It’s unbelievable, words can’t describe it,” said Putnam in a story on MLB.com upon putting on his No. 44 Indians jersey. “I’m so excited. My Dad (Steve) just arrived. My Mom won’t be able to make it this time, but she’ll catch us in Cleveland when we get back there.”
Putnam, who led Ann Arbor Pioneer to a state championship and the Wolverines to a Super Regional appearance in 2007, will be with the Indians when they face the Tigers at Comerica Park Sept. 26-28.
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