After a two-week separation, Russ Canzler is back with the Cleveland Indians.
The infielder/outfielder was claimed off waivers by the Indians from the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday. He appeared in 26 games for Cleveland in 2012, then was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays on Dec. 21 after the Indians designated him for assignment to open a roster spot for newly signed infield Mark Reynolds.
Canzler figures to battle for a reserve role in spring training.
The Indians opened a spot for Canzler’s return by designating right-hander Jeanmar Gomez for assignment. The team has 10 days to trade or release Gomez.
Canzler, 26, hit .269 with three homers and 11 RBI in 97 at-bats for Cleveland last year. He also played 130 games for Triple-A Columbus, batting .265 with a .328 on-base percentage, a .487 slugging percentage, 22 homers and 79 RBI.
In 2011, Canzler went 1-for-3 in three big-league games for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Gomez, 24, served as a starting pitcher for the Indians during parts of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons. He went 5-8 with a 5.96 ERA in 20 games (17 starts) last year. Gomez has a 14-16 career record with a 5.18 ERA in 42 games (38 starts).