Gardner signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians in 2010 and posted a 2.17 ERA and 4-3 record with five saves, 37 strikeouts and eight walks in 29 innings pitched for the AZL Indians. He also played with Mahoning Valley of the New York Penn League for a brief stint, striking out two batters in three innings pitched. He played college ball for Santa Barbara City College, where he was named a second-team All-WSC selection.