MOORHEAD, MINN. – The Lincoln Saltdogs have sold the contract of LHP Brennan Bernardino to the Cleveland Indians organization, the American Association announced. Bernardino is the 11th American Association player to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization in 2019, and the 31st since the start of the 2018 season.
Bernardino was acquired by the Saltdogs this winter from the Winnipeg Goldeyes. It was with Winnipeg where he completed the 2018 season. For the Goldeyes, he was 2-3 with a 3.18 ERA in six appearances (five starts). Bernardino pitched 34.0 innings and allowed 13 runs (12 earned) on 30 hits. He struck out 16 batters and walked seven. The five starts were the first of Bernardino’s professional career.
Bernardino joined the Goldeyes after being released by the Cincinnati Reds’ Double-A affiliate in Pensacola. He spent four-plus seasons in the Reds organization and pitched at both the Triple-A and Double-A levels, as well as in the Arizona Fall League in 2017. The Reds drafted him out of Cal State-Dominguez Hills in the 26th round in 2014.
