Indians add two relievers to camp

The Indians on Feb. 25 signed right-hander Matt Belisle, right, to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training and claimed reliever Ben Taylor off waivers from Boston.

The Indians, always searching to strengthen the bullpen, on Feb. 25 signed right-hander Matt Belisle to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training and claimed reliever Ben Taylor off waivers from Boston.

The Tribe has 23 non-roster invitees trying to find jobs on the team that won 102 games last season. The Indians are trying to fill holes created in the bullpen when Bryan Shaw signed with the Colorado Rockies and Joe Smith signed with the Houston Astros.

Belisle, 37, was 2-2 with the Minnesota Twins in 2017 with nine saves and a 4.03 ERA in 62 relief appearances. He was Minnesota’s primary closer over the last two months of the season following the trade of right-hander Brandon Kintzler to the Washington Nationals. Belisle converted 9 of his 11 save opportunities after July 31.

Belisle won’t challenge Cody Allen for the Indians’ closer role, but he could set the table for Andrew Miller in the eighth inning if he makes the final roster.

Belisle has appeared in 660 games, including 44 starts, over a 14-year career with the Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals and Twins. He has a career record of 51-57 with 14 saves and a 4.19 ERA.

Taylor, 25, also righthanded, appeared in 14 games for Boston in 2017, posting a 0-1 record and 5.19 ERA in four stints with the parent club. He pitched in 12 games with Pawtucket, Boston’s AAA affiliate, and recorded two saves with a 2.70 ERA.

Pitcher Cody Anderson was placed on the 60-day disabled list to clear a spot for Taylor on the 40-man roster. Anderson is rehabbing from elbow surgery last year.

JAE C. HONG — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Olympic athletes from Russia celebrate after winning the men’s gold medal hockey game against Germany, 4-3, in overtime.