Bruce Chen agrees to minor-league deal with Indians

A person familiar with the deal says the Indians have agreed to a minor-league contract with Former Royals pitcher Bruce Chen.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the Indians have not announced the deal.

Chen will get a chance to win a roster spot at spring training, and if he does, he’ll get a $1 million, one-year contract plus a chance to earn performance bonuses.

The 37-year-old Chen has gone 82-80 in 16 major league seasons, the past six with Kansas City. He battled a back injury last season, when he went 2-4 with a 7.45 ERA. The Royals released him in August after he gave up 6 runs in the 10th inning against the Minnesota Twins.

Corey Kluber, Zach McAllister, Carlos Carrasco appear to have starting jobs assured, and Chen figures to be among those competing for a rotation spot.

This story was originally published February 17, 2015 at 11:27 AM with the headline "Bruce Chen agrees to minor-league deal with Indians."