Downs signs Minor League deal with Indians
Contract includes Spring Training invite for veteran left-hander
Scott Downs and the Indians have agreed on a Minor League contract with a non-roster invite to big league Spring Training, the team announced on Saturday.
The 38-year-old southpaw's 619 Major League appearances rank him fifth among active left-handed pitchers. He has held left-handed batters to a .219 average during his 13-year career with seven teams. Downs split the 2014 season between the White Sox and Royals after signing with Chicago in January.
Downs finished the season with 17 appearances for the American League champion Royals, posting a 3.14 ERA after having a 6.08 ERA in 38 games with the White Sox. He topped the AL in games pitched with 81 in 2007, and he has a career 3.56 ERA.
Cleveland has left-handers Kyle Crockett, Nick Hagadone and Marc Rzepczynski projected out of its bullpen on the active roster, so Downs provides veteran depth.