Jordan

Stephens

Stephens had been designated for assignment. He has posted a 7.09 ERA in the minors this season.

The move was made to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for Bradley Zimmer, who returned from the 60-day injured list. Stephens, 26, owns a 7.09 ERA and 1.64 WHIP across 91 1/3 innings across three minor league levels this season. There’s a decent chance he’ll pass through waivers unclaimed and remain in the Indians’ organization.

The 26-year-old hurler has spent his first five minor league seasons in the White Sox’ organization. This year, he owned a miserable 8.39 ERA and 1.82 WHIP across 39 2/3 innings between High-A Winston-Salem and Triple-A Charlotte. He’ll function as minor league rotation depth for the Indians.

Stephens was able to get back in the win column after losing his previous two starts. He’s been on a strikeout binge with 21 punch-outs over his last 10 innings of work. Stephens leads the Carolina League with 147 strikeouts and also ranks second in ERA (3.57) and WHIP (1.26). The 2015 fifth-round pick has done his best work since the All-Star break, producing a stellar 2.94 ERA over 13 second-half starts.

Stephens posted a 4.23 ERA in 28 starts this year between Double- and Triple-A. The 26-year-old isn’t considered a top prospect for the organization, but he’s useful starting depth to have around for Chicago.