The Indians have announced they have signed pitcher Scott Downs to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invite to Spring Training.
General manager Chris Antonetti said earlier this week that one of his remaining goals was to add some depth to the bullpen possibly through some non-roster invites.
Downs is ranked fifth among left-handed pitchers in appearances with 619. He split last season between the White Sox and Royals, making 36 appearances and going 0-4 with a 4.97 ERA. In 2007 with Toronto, Downs led the American League in games pitched (81). Over his 13 years in the majors, the Louisville native, who will turn 39 on March 17, is 38-40 with 27 saves and a 3.56 ERA.
Unless there is an injury, it is difficult to see Downs making the bullpen out of Spring Training, especially with left-handers Nick Hagadone, Kyle Crockett and Mark Rzepczynski already on staff.
With Downs signing, the Indians have nine non-roster invitees to Spring Training. The others are pitchers Tyler Cloyd, Shaun Marcum, Dustin Molleken and Bryan Price, catchers Brett Hayes and Adam Moore, first baseman/outfielder Jerry Sands and outfielder Destin Hood.
