Veteran Hurler Allen Dropped by Cleveland

The Cleveland Indians unexpectedly released veteran right-hander Neil Allen today.

Allen, 31, was signed by Cleveland as a free agent in January, and his contract reportedly would have paid him $325,000 this year if he had made the team. He was 0-1 with a 4.60 ERA in five spring games.

Allen said it was apparent to him the move was a financial one.

“It’s one thing to get your tail kicked and deserve to be out of here,” he said. “If you can get somebody cheaper to do the same job, you do it.”

The Indians had targeted Allen for middle relief, and they also auditioned him as a possible fifth starter because of the elbow tendinitis that has sidelined right-hander John Farrell much of the spring.

Allen was offered a Class AAA contract but said he would probably decline it.