GOODYEAR, Arizona -- Ryan Merritt was among 12 players sent to the minors by the Cleveland Indians on Monday morning.

Merritt is still in the Tribe's plans as a possible starter. He had a so-so spring, an 8.64 ERA in 8 1/3 innings. One bad outing inflated the ERA.

Merritt pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings when he started Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, a 3-0 victory over Toronto that sent the Tribe to the World Series.

Merritt was an emergency starter because so many Tribe pitchers were hurt during the postseason.

Also going to Class AAA Columbus were Shawn Morimando and Adam Plutko. They are expected to be in the Clippers rotation, along with Merritt.

Also sent to the minors were Travis Banwart, Steve Delabar, Josh Martin, Chris Naverson, James Russell, Guillermo Quiroz, Ronny Rodriguez, Eric Stamets and Greg Allen.

Allen is expected to play in the outfield for the Clippers. He is considered an excellent prospect.