Indians Sign Another Starter

Double-A Akron's starter for today had been "to be determined" for a few days because they were down a starter after promoting right-hander Hector Rondon. Recently signed left-hander Bobby Livingston filled another hole in the rotation.

It appears the Indians have signed free agent left-hander Michael Tejera and he will make the start tonight in Akron. Tejera, 32, had been pitching in the Triple-A Mexican League and was 5-1 with a 3.57 ERA in 15 games (13 starts). In 70.2 innings he allowed 69 hits, 33 walks and had 39 strikeouts. Opposing hitters were hitting .256 off of him. He was recently released at the end of June. He pitched in the Red Sox organization in 2008 for Triple-A Pawtucket (3-6, 5.10 ERA, 34 games).

This is a stop gap signing to get someone into Akron to give them some innings as a starter until someone from High-A Kinston is ready for the call. Left-hander Eric Berger is close to that call, but the Indians would like to see a little more consistent command of his pitches before moving him up. In any case, I would have to believe that Berger will be up very soon, maybe once left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz is activated off the disabled list soon or one of the other starters who have been sidelined with an injury.