Detwiler lands minor-league deal with Indians

One day after signing Tom Gorzelanny and Joe Thatcher to minor-league deals, the Cleveland Indians added another left-hander to vie for a spot on the 25-man roster, agreeing to a minor-league contract with Ross Detwiler on Tuesday afternoon.

Detwiler, who spent parts of seven seasons with the Washington Nationals before splitting the 2015 campaign between the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves, will earn $1 million if he makes the 25-man roster, with another $1.5 million available in incentives.

Selected sixth overall in the 2007 draft, Detwiler spent the first six years of his MLB career primarily as a starter, but has spent the last two seasons pitching mainly in relief. The 29-year-old has struggled since moving to the bullpen, though, managing a 5.56 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP in 81 relief outings (and seven starts) since 2014.

This past season was particularly brutal for Detwiler, who stumbled to a 7.25 ERA and 2.02 WHIP across 34 relief appearances and seven starts between Texas and Atlanta. He posted a career-worst 12.5 percent walk rate while allowing 10 home runs in 58 1/3 innings (1.54 per nine).