Linden, Velandia Signed by Cleveland

The Cleveland Indians today announced that they have signed of Todd Linden and INF Jorge Velandia to minor league contracts. Both players will be activated to the Bisons roster before Monday's 5:30 p.m. game against the Toledo Mud Hens and Fifth Third Field.

RHP Jensen Lewis has also been activated to the Bisons roster after being optioned down to the Herd on Saturday night. To make roster room, Bisons OF Bronson Sardinha has been transferred to Double-A Akron and INF Danny Sandoval has been transferred to Single-A Mahoning Valley.

Linden, 27, began the season with Triple-A Sacramento of the Pacific Coast League (Oakland). In 22 games, the switch-hitting outfielder batted .333 (26-78) with 7 doubles, 3HR and 12RBI (14BB, 1SB, 13R). Linden was optioned late in spring training by the A's after hitting .577 (15-26) in 15 Cactus League games.

Originally a 1st round pick (sandwich round, 41st overall) in 2001 of the San Francisco Giants, Linden made his Major League debut in 2003 in only his second professional season. In 270 games with the Giants and with Florida he has hit .231 (116-502) with 22 doubles, 8HR and 36RBI.

Velandia, 33, spent the first part of the 2008 season in the Toronto organization. In 28 games with the Syracuse Chiefs he hit .287 (27-94) with 3HR and 12RBI (2 2B, 3B, 14BB, 16R). He had his contract purchased by the Blue Jays on May 10 and played in two games with Toronto (0-7) before being released. In his career, Velandia has hit .182 (43-236) with 2HR and 23RBI in 166 Major League games with San Diego, Oakland, New York-NL, Tampa Bay and Toronto.

A veteran of the International League, Velandia has played for Norfolk (2000-2003), Richmond (2004), Indianapolis (2005), Charlotte (2006), Durham (2007) and Syracuse (2008).

Lewis, 24, has spent the entire 2008 season with the Indians. In 20 relief outings with the Tribe, Lewis was 0-2 with a 3.58ERA (27.2IP, 29H, 11R, 11ER, 15BB, 19K). Last season, the reliever shot through the Indians system and was on the club's post season rosters in just his third season of professional baseball. The 2007 season also included 10 games with the Bisons (1-0, 1.38ERA, 1SV) from June 14 - July 13.

Sardinha hit .300 (9-30) with 2HR and 5RBI in 12 games with Buffalo while Sandoval hit .247 (37-150) with 1HR and 13RBI in 43 games with the Herd.

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