Indians sign free agent starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin

The Cleveland Indians have signed former Rockies pitcher Jhoulys Chacin to a minor league deal, according to an announcement from the team. The Indians also designated pitcher Shaun Marcum for assignment.

Designating Marcum for assignment made room on the active roster for catcher Brett Hayes, who will likely back up Roberto Perez behind the plate while Yan Gomes is on the disabled list. The minor league deal with Chacin allows the Indians to add pitching depth while not taking up a spot on the 40-man roster, which has become necessary with all of the injuries to position players in Cleveland in 2015.

What does Chacin add to the Indians?

Chacin struggled with the Rockies in 2014, posting a 5.40 ERA and 4.82 FIP in 63 1/3 innings over 11 starts while battling a shoulder injury. The Rockies hoped rest and rehabilitation in the offseason would correct Chacin's shoulder issues, but released him after he struggled in spring training.

There was success for Chacin in Colorado, he posted a 3.47 ERA and FIP in 197 1/3 innings in 2013, getting 14 wins in his 31 starts. He also posted ERAs of 3.28 and 3.62 in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Chacin has proven to be a solid pitcher when healthy, but his health remains a question mark.

Where does Chacin fit on Cleveland's depth chart?

Chacin will not slide into the Indians' rotation right away, as Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Zach McAllister and T.J. House have those spots held down at  the moment. He is also probably behind Danny Salazar as the sixth option, but he likely does fit in right behind Salazar with a group that includes lefty Bruce Chen and right-hander Jeff Manship, who are both with Salazar at Triple-A Columbus but, like Chacin, not on the 40-man roster.