33 Brad Hand RP

Hand surrendered one run on two hits while striking out one as he slammed the door in the ninth for the save Sunday against the Angels.

Hand allowed the tying run to reach base, but he went on to strike out David Fletcher to end the game. Since joining the Indians from the Padres, Hand has given up two runs over eight innings, and he figures to continue to serve as a high-leverage reliever moving forward with at least the occasional save chance depending on matchups. He owns a 2.92 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 73 punchouts across 52.1 frames.

Hand allowed a hit and a walk in 1.2 scoreless innings Wednesday to record his second save with Cleveland in a 2-0 win over the Twins.

Cody Allen got a four-out save Tuesday, leaving Hand to handle closing duties in this one. The back end of the Cleveland bullpen is increasingly looking like a time share between the two, an arrangement which would restrict the fantasy value of both relievers if it continues.

Hand struck out three in 1.1 perfect innings Wednesday to record his 25th save of the season, and first with Cleveland, in a 4-0 win over the Pirates.

Cody Allen threw an inning Tuesday but hadn't pitched since July 21 before that, so seeing him get bypassed in favor of Cleveland's newest bullpen acquisition is bound raise some eyebrows. For the moment, Hand shouldn't be considered the team's closer, but if Allen's July struggles continue the left-hander is more than capable of stepping into the role on a more permanent basis.

Hand was traded to Cleveland along with Adam Cimber in exchange for Francisco Mejia on Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Hand immediately bolsters a major area of need for the Indians, as the bullpen has clearly been the club's Achilles' heel this year. Through 41 appearances with the Padres, Hand sported a 3.05 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 24 saves in 29 opportunities. In addition, he's logged 65 strikeouts in 44.1 innings. It remains to be seen whether Hand will displace Cody Allen as Cleveland's ninth-inning man, though it's more likely that he's used as a high-leverage reliever in a similar capacity to Andrew Miller (knee). Hand will be under team control through the 2020 season, with a club option for the 2021 campaign.

Hand blew his fifth save of the season Friday, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one over one inning in an extra-inning loss to the Cubs.

Hand, who entered the contest with a one-run lead, actually looked to be on his way to another save after recording two quick outs to begin the ninth frame. That all changed when he plunked Victor Caratini and then served up a game-tying RBI double to Anthony Rizzo. This was not a messy blown save by any means, but it still counts as one nonetheless. Hand has generally been effective as the Friars' closer this season, posting a 3.05 ERA, 13.2 K/9 and 24 saves in 29 chances.