GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have acquired reliever Jairo Asencio from the Atlanta Braves for cash.
The 28-year-old was on the Braves’ restricted list all of 2010 after it was discovered he had come to the U.S as Luis Valdez and claimed to be three years younger. The Indians are already dealing with a similar case as the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona was actually Roberto Hernandez and three years older.
Hernandez remains in the Dominican Republic attempting to obtain a work visa.
Asencio is a candidate to get the final spot in Cleveland’s bullpen. He is out of minor league options.
The right-hander, who had 26 saves last season at Triple-A Gwinnett, won the Caribbean Series MVP this winter. He appeared in nine games over three seasons for Atlanta.
