With Myers sent to DL, Kluber steps into rotation

HOUSTON -- The Cleveland Indians placed right-hander Brett Myers on the 15-day disabled list before Sunday's game against the Houston Astros.

Myers started Friday night's game and gave up three runs in five innings, taking the loss in a 3-2 defeat. He said after the game he was bothered by tendinitis in his right forearm, but said it wasn't painful.

Myers, who was scheduled to start Wednesday at the Chicago White Sox, flew back to Cleveland Sunday for further tests.

"He wasn't going to make his start anyways," manager Terry Francona said.

Francona added that reliever Corey Kluber would take Myers' place in the rotation Wednesday.

"We got fortunate in a lot of ways," Francona said of Saturday night's 19-6 rout of the Astros. "It allowed us to throw Kluber just the right amount so he could come back Wednesday [and start]. It worked out really well."

Kluber pitched the final four innings Saturday night, giving up just two singles, striking out four and walking none. Kluber started 12 games last year for the Indians, going 2-5 with a 5.14 ERA.

The Indians called up long reliever Fernando Nieve from Triple-A Columbus to replace Myers on the roster. Nieve has not pitched in the Majors since appearing in 40 games for the New York Mets in 2010.

"It gives us some protection in our bullpen, whether it's an early exit [by a starter] or an extra-inning game," Francona said. "It seemed to make sense. He's been throwing the ball really well."

Nieve, a right-hander, said he received a call about 11 Saturday night to report to Houston. He took a 6:30 a.m. flight Sunday morning out of Columbus.

"I didn't get much time to sleep," Nieve said. "They told me to get ready real quick."

Nieve, 30, went 0-1 with a 1.38 ERA in three games with the Clippers. He started and pitched six innings to earn a win April 7, then made two appearances in relief, throwing four innings in one game and three in the other.

"In the beginning I was a starting pitcher, then they changed their mind," said Nieve, who said he was ready to pitch Sunday if needed. "I could help the team more as a longer reliever. I've been working on to come back (to the Major Leagues). Last year I was in good condition and thought I would make the Dodgers out of spring training."

He signed a Minor League contract with Cleveland in the offseason.

Nieve lives in Pearland, a Houston suburb. He moved there when he pitched for the Astros in 2006.

Francona said that right-hander Matt Albers could be activated as soon as Monday. Albers has pitched in four games this season, all in relief.