ARLINGTON, Texas -- In a surprise move, the Indians have released veteran right-hander Tommy Hunter.
Hunter was rehabbing at Class AAA Columbus after injuring his back in a fall during the All-Star break. Manager Terry Francona, asked about Hunter when the team was in Oakland at the start of this trip, said that he'd been told that the Indians wouldn't activate him until the roster expanded on Sept. 1.
Francona said Hunter was fine with that decision.
Now he's a free agent.
Hunter signed a one-year $2 million deal with the Indians in spring training.