Indians sign free agent pitcher Luis Vizcaino to help struggling bullpen

Indians sign Luis Vizcaino

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians have signed free agent pitcher Luis Vizcaino.

The 34-year-old right-hander was released by the Chicago Cubs earlier this season after making four relief appearances. The Indians’ struggling bullpen has been a major factor in the club’s 13-22 start entering a four-game series at Tampa Bay.

Vizcaino spent the 2008 season in Colorado’s bullpen. He had a 5.28 ERA in 43 appearances and missed two months with a right shoulder injury. He has been with seven major league teams, including the 2007 New York Yankees and 2005 World Series champion White Sox.

To make room for Vizcaino, Cleveland optioned starter Jeremy Sowers to Triple-A Columbus. Sowers lost both starts after being recalled from the Clippers.