Indians recall Mike Clevinger to start against Twins

CLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Indians have recalled right-hander Mike Clevinger from Triple-A Columbus to start Thursday against the Minnesota Twins.

Clevinger is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in four appearances - three starts - for the Indians this season.

The AL Central leaders were outscored 35-16 in losing the first three games of the series against the last-place Twins. Cleveland's starting pitchers allowed 22 runs - 21 earned - in 8 1/3 innings.

Manager Terry Francona used 14 relievers for 18 2/3 innings in the first three games, and the overworked bullpen has led to a flurry of roster moves.

Left-hander Ryan Merritt was called up from Columbus while right-handers Cody Anderson and Shawn Armstrong were optioned to the Clippers before Thursday's game. Armstrong was recalled Wednesday and pitched two innings in a 13-5 loss.