Rays acquire reliever from Indians

Posted Jul 2, 2009 by By Tribune Editor

Updated Jul 2, 2009 at 01:59 PM

The Rays acquired right-handed relief pitcher John Meloan today from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for right-handed relief pitcher Winston Abreu. Meloan will report to Triple-A Durham.

Meloan, who turns 25 on July 11, has spent the entire 2009 season with Triple-A Columbus. He went 0-0 for the Clippers with a 5.52 ERA. In 25 appearances (two starts), he allowed 52 hits and 17 walks while striking out 37 in 44 innings. He has pitched seven games in the major leagues, appearing in two games for the Indians in 2008 and five games in 2007 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Over parts of five minor league seasons, he is 15-16 with 22 saves and a 3.75 ERA.

Meloan was acquired by the Indians on July 26, 2008 from the Dodgers along with catcher Carlos Santana in exchange for infielder Casey Blake. In 2007 he was named a Southern League All-Star and Double-A Reliever of the Year by MinorLeagueBaseball.com. He was selected by the Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2005 June Draft out of the University of Arizona. 

Abreu, 32, was designated for assignment on June 27 after making two appearances for the Rays.