Tribe calls up Roth, options Aguilar to Triple-A

CLEVELAND -- The Indians called up left-hander Michael Roth from Triple-A Columbus and optioned first baseman Jesus Aguilar to Triple-A prior to Tuesday night's contest vs. Royals.

The right-handed-hitting Aguilar was promoted from Columbus on July 24 with the Indians scheduled to face a series of left-handed White Sox pitchers in Jose Quintana, Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon. Aguilar started all three games and went 2-for-9 with five strikeouts.

"When we brought up Aguilar, I think I mentioned to you guys that if we felt the need or felt short on pitching, that we might not be able to keep Aggy here," manager Terry Francona said before Tuesday's game against the Royals. "We've been in our bullpen quite a bit. I look at that card every night and it's starting to be pretty thick with guys' usage. We have a night game and then a noon game [on Wednesday], and if somebody goes short, we wouldn't have a chance to undo the damage.

Aguilar made his Major League debut with the Indians last year, batting .121 without a home run over 38 plate appearances. He had a strong 2014 with Columbus, but has had less success in 2015, batting .255/.318/.410 with 13 home runs in 402 plate appearances.

Roth was originally drafted by the Indians in the 31st round of the 2011 Draft, but he chose to return to college. The Angels then selected him in the ninth round of the '12 Draft, and he began his professional career. After spending three years in the Angels' system, making his Major League debut in '13, Roth was twice designated for assignment and elected to become a free agent.

"It was Roth's turn to start tonight [for Columbus]," Francona said. "He's not here to go left-on-left or anything like that, he can give us length out of the bullpen and protect us in case something happens."

The Indians signed Roth to a Minor League contract on Jan. 6. He has made 19 starts for Triple-A Columbus this season, posting a 4.16 ERA in 114 2/3 innings.

"I've had some good games, I've had some bad games down in Triple-A, but it's all in the past and you have to move forward to the opportunities you're given," Roth said. "I'm excited about this opportunity and looking forward to helping the team any way I possibly can."