CLEVELAND -- The Legend of Jerry Sands was fun while it lasted.
The Indians on Wednesday designated the outfielder/first baseman for assignment in order to call up right-hander Ryan Webb. If Sands clears waivers, he would end up back at Triple-A Columbus.
With Nick Swisher getting closer to returning, Sands' stint on the roster was coming close to ending.
"We did not want to designate Jerry. From Day 1 of spring training he was nothing but professional and grew on everyone but the fact of the matter is we needed the arm and Swish is on the horizon," manager Terry Francona said. "Sometimes we need to look at the bigger picture in making decisions and we did. It was not a lot of fun telling Jerry that because he is such a good kid."
Sands hit .304 in spring training and had two home runs, including a 480-foot shot on March 23 against the Giants that cleared the large center field batter's eye at Goodyear Ballpark. He was originally assigned to Columbus but was recalled on April 10. The next day against the Tigers, he was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and tied a career-high with four RBI as he became an instant fan favorite.
Sands was 7-for-17 in the first four games that he played. However he had played in only five games since April 19 as he was used primarily against left-handers. If there was injury to Ryan Raburn or Swisher once he came back, or if the Indians need another right-hand bat if they face a run of left-handers, Sands would get recalled.
