Donovan Hand Wasn’t Expecting To Be Removed From Roster

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

When the Milwaukee Brewers signed Francisco Rodriguez, relief pitcher Donovan Hand thought his roster spot was safe. After his first major league season in which he boasted a 3.69 ERA, Hand figured he was almost a lock to be on the the 40-man roster coming into Spring Training.

He was wrong.

The Brewers designated Hand for assignment to make room for Rodriguez. Fortunately for Hand and the Brewers, the right-hander went unclaimed through waivers and remains a part of Milwaukee’s organization.

“It worked out pretty good in the end,” Hand told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. “They’ve got everybody, still.”

Nonetheless, he was still shocked that he was the odd man out.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say yeah, it did surprise me a little bit,” Hand said. “But it’s part of the business here. I love this organization. This will be my seventh year here, but of course, you want to be back in the big leagues and on the roster. You always wish for that.”

Just like last season, Hand will have to win a roster spot this spring. But at least this time around, the Brewers are well aware of what he brings to the table.