Indians sign pitcher Mercedes

CLEVELAND, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Free agent righthander Jose Mercedes, who had a difficult 2001 season with the Baltimore Orioles, on signed a minor league contract Saturday with the Cleveland Indians who gave him an invitation to major league spring training.

The 31-year-old Mercedes was 8-17 with a 5.82 ERA in 31 starts last season, one year after he led the Orioles in wins when he posted a 14-7 record with a 4.02 ERA.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Mercedes owns a 33-39 record and a 4.82 ERA over seven seasons with Milwaukee and Baltimore.