Indians Pick Up Carmona’s Option, Set Sizemore Free

The Cleveland Indians exercised their 2012 club option on starting pitcher Fausto Carmona, according to a tweet from the team’s official Twitter account. The team has also, as expected, declined the 2012 option on former All-Star outfielder Grady Sizemore.

Carmona’s option will pay him $7 million for the 2012 season, compared to $6.1 million which he earned in 2011. The Indians also have a $9 million option for the starter in 2013. The 27-year-old went 7-15 for Cleveland with a 5.25 ERA in 32 starts. The previous season Carmona was selected to the All-Star team and posted a 13-14 record with a 3.77 ERA in 33 starts.

Carmona signed the four-year deal after the 2007 season when he posted a 19-8 record with a 3.06 ERA.

The Indians decision to buyout Sizemore’s $8.5 million contract for $500,000 had been previously reported. The 29-year-old outfielder, who has struggled to stay healthy over the past several seasons, will now be a free agent.