Adams recalled; Indians designate Chen

ARLINGTON -- Right-hander Austin Adams was close to falling asleep early Saturday morning when he got the call that he'd be returning to the big leagues.

Adams was informed he would be called up from Triple-A Columbus, which is currently playing in Pawtucket, around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday. He hopped on a flight that landed in Detroit at 8:30 a.m. before arriving in Texas at 2:30 p.m. Left-hander Bruce Chen, who was roughed up in each of his two starts with the Indians, was designated for assignment Saturday.

In eight appearances with Triple-A Columbus, Adams was 1-2 with a 5.68 ERA, posting a 3.00 ERA in the first seven. This will be his third stint with the Indians. Adams was on the Opening Day roster and, before making an appearance, was optioned to Columbus on April 10 and called back up two days later. He gave up one run in 4 2/3 innings during two outings with the Indians and was sent back to Columbus when Danny Salazar was called up April 18.

"It's exciting to be back," Adams said. "The last outing wasn't the best one I've ever had, but you've got to put it in the past and do what you're capable of. ... I just want to go out there and throw up zeros as best I can and keep the team in the game."

Adams' current stay with the Indians may be another short one. They will likely add a player to the active roster to start Wednesday against the White Sox with Chen no longer with the team. The Indians used five relievers, who combined to toss 6 2/3 scoreless innings, in Friday's 8-3 series-opening win over the Rangers and needed another arm in the bullpen.

"He knows us and we know him," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "We just want him to be himself ... [He was] inconsistent at times [in Columbus]. Velocity was good. Just like any young pitcher, one good [outing] and then sometimes inconsistent."

Chen could not get out of the third inning in his second start of the year in Friday's 8-3 win over the Rangers. He lasted just 2 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on seven hits -- two of them back-to-back home runs in the first. Chen allowed six runs on 10 hits over four innings of his only other start this season, a 7-4 loss to the Twins last Saturday. Despite the struggles, Francona said he was reluctant to make the move.

"You can't help but respect and admire the way he handles himself and the teammate he is," Francona said. "But even by his own admission, he's not effective right now against Major League hitters. ... You know when you're talking to a guy at this point in his career, there's a potential that he may decide to [retire]."

Left-hander TJ House is currently on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation and is making his second rehab start Wednesday, so he will not be available to pitch for the Indians that day. Francona said they will likely announce who Wednesday's starter will be Saturday or Sunday.