The Indians have designated 23-year old lefty starter/reliever Kelvin De La Cruz for assignment.  De La Cruz pitched in 23 games (16 starts) in AA-ball for the Tribe last year and he was 5-6 with 2 saves, a 4.19 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP.  He pitched in 105 games (93 starts) in his first six years in the minors and he is 32-28 with 2 saves, a 4.21 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP.  The Indians needed De La Cruz’ roster spot for Casey Kotchman.  The Indians probably want to keep De La Cruz around if he clears waivers.

UPDATE:  (2/20/2012) – The Indians have dealt Kelvin De La Cruz to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later.

UPDATE II:  (3/16/2012) – The Indians have reacquired Kelvin De La Cruz from the Rangers for cash considerations.

UPDATE III:  (3/19/2012) – The Indians have acquired 27-year old righty swinging 2B/SS Davis Stoneburner from the Rangers as the player to be named later in the first deal involving Kelvin De La Cruz.  Stoneburner played in 116 games in AA-ball last year and he was 118 of 438 (.269 avg, .755 OPS) with 64 runs scored, 9 homers, 47 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.  He has now played in 443 games in his first five years in the minors and he is 449 of 1,647 (.273 avg, .761 OPS) with 238 runs scored, 35 homers, 193 RBIs and 53 stolen bases.

UPDATE IV:  (3/21/2012) – The Indians have designated Kelvin De La Cruz again to make room on the roster for Rick VandenHurk.

UPDATE V:  (3/23/2012) – The Indians have lost Kelvin De La Cruz on waivers to the Detroit Tigers.