WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Left-handed pitchers — especially relievers — are notoriously atypical.
The newest member of the Indians’ bullpen — Craig Breslow, a Yale grad who earned his degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry — is the exception.
“I’m probably the most right-handed left-handed pitcher you’ll ever see,” said the 27-year-old Breslow, who was claimed off waivers from Boston on Sunday and made a positive exhibition debut for Cleveland on Tuesday in a 7-5 victory over the Yankees at Chain of Lakes Park. “People look for something quirky, but I’d like to think it’s not there.”
What is there for Breslow now that he’s left the Boston organization is an opportunity in Cleveland, where he has replaced Aaron Fultz as the second left-hander in the bullpen behind late-inning lefty Rafael Perez.
Though he has been given no guarantees from Indians officials or manager Eric Wedge, Breslow is expecting to break camp with the team and be on Cleveland’s opening-day roster.
“My mindset is that I’m on (the team) until I’m off,” said Breslow, who appeared in 27 big league games for the Padres and Red Sox from 2005-06 and spent all of last season at Triple-A Pawtucket — where he went 2-3 with a 4.06 ERA in 49 relief appearances. “I’ll take this as it’s my job until it isn’t.”
His first day in the new office was a good one.
Breslow entered the game in the ninth inning and made quick work of the Yankees, striking out two of the three batters he faced — including one left-handed hitter — to earn the save. Breslow fanned projected Yankees starter Morgan Ensberg on four pitches to start the inning.
“I liked the way he threw the ball today,” said Wedge, who wouldn’t confirm that Breslow was on the roster. “He came in and commanded his fastball and threw some decent sliders. It was good to see him get out there today.”
Breslow is expected to pitch at least once more — most likely Thursday against Tampa Bay in Winter Haven — before a decision is made. The Indians and their opponents are likely to see a pitcher with an expansive repertoire.
“Whatever I need to,” said Breslow, when asked what pitches he threw. “It’s pretty much everything but a knuckleball and a split. I’m a guy that’s willing to throw any pitch in any count.”
With his degree and medical school that would have followed, Breslow could have made more money than he’s earned in baseball so far. But he’s fine with the path he’s chosen, and becoming a doctor is always an option when he’s finished pitching.
“For right now, this is what I have a passion to do,” Breslow said. “The truth is the window of opportunity (in baseball) is much narrower. I couldn’t imagine being in a classroom or working in a lab.”
After a life-changing experience at age 12, the newest Indian set a lofty goal. Breslow recently formed a non-profit foundation to help children with cancer.
“My sister Lesley was 14 at the time, two years older than me, when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer,” Breslow said. “It was a scary time.
“She’s a survivor and it has been 15 years, but ever since that day I have always wanted to do whatever I could to try and make a difference.”
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. The Associated Press contributed to this story.
 

In order to comment, you must agree to our user agreement and discussion guidelines.

Need help? Email Us.