CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Indians have avoided salary arbitration with reliever Josh Outman by signing him to a $1.25 million, one-year contract.
Outman has yet to pitch for Cleveland, which acquired him in a trade last month from Colorado for outfielder Drew Stubbs. The 29-year-old Outman went 3-0 with a 4.22 ERA in 61 games for the Rockies last season.
The Indians had trouble with left-handed hitters a year ago, and Outman should help with that after limiting lefties to a .198 batting average.
With Outman signed, the Indians still have five players eligible for arbitration. No. 1 starter Justin Masterson, left fielder Michael Brantley and pitchers Marc Rzepczynski, Vinnie Pestano and Josh Tomlin filed paperwork on Tuesday.
The Indians have spoken to Masterson's agent about a long-term deal.
Cleveland has not gone to an arbitration hearing with a player in 23 years.
