Indians acquire All-Star closer Hand, Cimber from Padres

SAN DIEGO — With an eye on October and beyond, the American League Central-leading Cleveland 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 Thursday, 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 Thursday. “We’ve got eight years’ worth of relief. That’s pretty exciting.”

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

Cleveland leads the AL Central by 7 1/2 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.

The Padres claimed Hand off waivers from Miami early in the 2016 season and he developed into a two-time All-Star. Known for his slider, he has 24 saves in 29 chances, with a 3.05 ERA and 65 strikeouts.

Cimber is 3-5 with a 3.17 ERA in 42 relief appearances this season.