Tribe deals Mejia for bullpen help

With an eye on October and beyond, the AL Centralleading Indians scooped up All-Star closer Brad Hand and fellow reliever Adam Cimber from the rebuilding San Diego Padres in exchange for switch-hitting catching prospect Francisco Mejia.

The Indians need Hand, a lefty, and Cimber, a rookie right-handed sidearmer, to shore up a bullpen that has been without left-hander Andrew Miller since late May and has a 5.28 ERA, second-worst in the majors. The trade was announced July 19, well ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline.

“Not just for this year, that’s kind of obvious, but having two controllable relievers, I just think it makes our organization healthier,” manager Terry Francona said July 19 before a workout in Arlington, Texas, where the Indians start after the All-Star break. “We’ve got eight years’ worth of relief. That’s pretty exciting.”

Hand and Cimber were both expected to join the Indians before Friday night’s game against the Rangers.

Cleveland leads the AL Central by 7 ½ games over Minnesota. After losing Game 7 of the 2016 World Series to the Chicago Cubs, the Indians returned to the postseason last year but lost in the division series to the New York Yankees.

“We tried to have a really honest assessment, what are our strengths and what are the areas we can improve to help better position us to secure a postseason berth and advance once we get there,” Indians President Chris Antonetti said in a conference call.

“It sends a signal to the team that the front office is serious about winning this year,” said All-Star pitcher Trevor Bauer, who is set to start Friday night against the Rangers.

Miller, Cleveland’s twotime All-Star reliever, has been on the disabled list since May 26 with an inflamed right knee. He’s on a minor league rehab assignment and Francona said he’s had two good outings and is “on the right road,” though the manager didn’t offer a target date for his return.

Cody Allen has 20 saves in 21 chances for the Indians.

Miller and Allen will be eligible for free agency after the season.

The Padres claimed Hand off waivers from Miami early in the 2016 season and he developed into a two-time All-Star.