CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Wednesday the Indians outrighted Michael Martinez off the 40-man roster and sent him to Class AAA Columbus. He refused the option and became a free agent.
On Friday, Martinez returned.
The Indians signed the switch-hitting Martinez to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training with the big league club. Pitchers and catchers are expected to report to Goodyear, Ariz., in mid-February.
Martinez, 33, hit .267 (8-for-30) with seven runs in 16 games as a September call-up for the Indians. He spent most of the year at Class AAA Columbus, hitting .