What It Means:

Hunter underwent core muscle surgery over the offseason and is not expected to join the Indians' bullpen until mid-May. He signed a one-year, $2 million free agent contract with the Tribe in mid-February.

Hunter posted a 3.89 xFIP in 60 1/3 innings of relief with the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs last season, and his 18.9 strikeout percentage was well above above his career average. Although he had a high ERA with the Cubs (5.74), his 3.40 xFIP suggests it should have been lower.