Indians trade Pavano to Twins

DETROIT (AP) — Craving help for their starting rotation, the Minnesota Twins turned to Carl Pavano.

The Twins sent the Indians a player to be identified later in exchange for Pavano, a one-time All-Star whose career derailed in New York during four injury-ruined seasons with the Yankees.

“It’s pretty exciting, a move up in the standings,” said Pavano, who arrived at Comerica Park to join his new teammates before Minnesota took batting practice.

Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said that Pavano would start against the Tigers today.

The Indians called up left-handed reliever Rafael Perez from Triple-A Columbus to take Pavano’s roster spot.

Perez is 1-2 with an 8.88 ERA in 31 games this season for the Indians, but was 1-0 with a 0.83 ERA at Columbus. He was 4-4 with a 3.54 ERA in 73 games for Cleveland last season.

Justin Masterson will take Pavano’s place in the Indians’ rotation.

Masterson will start Saturday against Chicago.