Indians Claim VandenHurk, DFA Kelvin De La Cruz (Again)

The Cleveland Indians claimed right-hander Rick VandenHurk, 26, off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon, reports Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

With both Chris and Rafael Perez attempting to come back from injury, Vandenhurk is expected to compete for a spot in the Indians bullpen.

To make room on the roster for the Dutchman, 23-year-old left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz--who was re-acquired for cash considerations last week--was designated for assignment by the Indians for the second time in a little over a month.

Vandenhurk has pitched parts of five seasons with the Marlins and the Orioles, amassing a 5.57 ERA in 181 innings spread over 46 appearances. Primarily a starter in his first three seasons, Vanderhurk has made only 13 appearances at the big league level over the last two seasons, only three of those as a starter.

Earlier this week the Indians expressed interest in bolstering their bullpen with free agent left-hander Mike Gonzalez, but seem to have found a cheaper, younger option in VandenHurk.

• Indians Claim VandenHurk | Twitter @hoynsie
  #Indians claim RHP Rick VandenHurk on waivers from Toronto.

• VandenHurk Will Compete for Bullpen Spot | Twitter @hoynsie

  Rick VandenHurk coming to #Indians to compete 4 spot in pen.

• De La Cruz Moved Again | Twitter @DKnobler
  Kelvin de la Cruz, who was traded by CLE to Texas and then back to Indians, now designated for assignment by Indians.