Indians ink Tejeda

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CLEVELAND -- Free-agent reliever Robinson Tejeda has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Indians and been invited to major league spring training.

If added to the 40-man roster, he would receive a contract calling for a US$825,000 salary in the major leagues and a $125,000 salary in the minors. He could earn an additional $300,000 in performance bonuses.

Tejeda spent the past four seasons in Kansas City's organization. The 29-year-old right-hander is 23-27 with a 4.42 ERA in 183 games.

He also has pitched for Philadelphia and Texas. Last season, Tejeda split time between the Royals and their triple-A Omaha affiliate, spending five weeks on the disabled list because of shoulder inflammation.

Tejeda pitched in nine games for the Royals in 2011, going 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA after appearing in 54 games for the Royals in 2010. The Indians will give him a chance to win an open spot in their bullpen, and if he doesn't, he would provide depth in case of injuries.

In addition to his base salary, Tejeda could earn $50,000 each for 50, 55, 60 and 65 games, and $100,000 for 70 games.