Marte designated as Tribe trades for Salas

Marte designated as Tribe trades for Salas

Well, you knew the Andy Marte Era would come to an end sooner or later here in camp, and it didn't take long.

The Indians traded for RHP Juan Salas today, sending Minor League INF Isaias Velasquez to the Rays.

Salas, 30, was designated for assignment by the Rays on Friday. He spent most of last season with Triple-A Durham, going 4-5 with a 2.62 ERA and one save in 28 appearances. He also made five appearances for the Rays, giving up five runs over 6 1/3 innings over two stints.

Salas has spent his entire career with the Rays. He's made a total of 47 appearances over the last three years, going 1-1 with a 4.44 ERA in 52 2/3 innings.

To make room for Salas, the Indians designated Marte -- their former "third baseman of the future." Marte never got his bat going in the big leagues. The Tribe will have 10 days to trade him, release him or outright him. Perhaps this will be Marte's opportunity to get another chance elsewhere. We shall see.

As for Velasquez, he was on the Indians' short-season rookie ball squad in Mahoning Valley last year. He batted .281 with a homer, 10 doubles, a triple and 18 RBIs in 64 games for the Scrappers.