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Indians utility man Michael Martinez leaves the field after making the final out in Game 7 of the World Series. Martinez grounded out to third in the 10th inning as Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years.

(Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have outrighted utility man Michael Martinez, creating a spot on the 40-man roster as they prepare for the winter meetings that begin on Dec. 4 in National Harbor, Md.

They also signed outfielder Daniel Robertson to a minor-league contract with an invitation to big-league spring training.

Martinez's departure leaves the 40-man roster at 39 players. Martinez, who made the last out in Game 7 of the World Series, has played parts of the last two seasons with the Indians.

Manager Terry Francona valued Martinez, 34, because of his ability to play several positions. Martinez opened the year at Class AAA Columbus where he hit .288 (30-for-104) with eight doubles and 12 RBI.

Martinez appeared in 58 games with the Indians, hitting .242 (23-for-95) with one homer and four RBI. He was on the Tribe's active roster throughout the postseason, and made the final out of Game 7 vs. the Cubs.

He also appeared in four games with Boston before being reclaimed by the Indians.

Don't be surprised if the Indians try to re-sign Martinez to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league camp. That's how much Francona values him.

Robertson, 31, is a versatile right-handed hitter who spent last season with Class AAA Tacoma, the top farm club for the Mariners. He hit .287 (117-for-408) with 19 doubles, six homers and 46 RBI. He stole 13 bases in 15 attempts and posted a .769 OPS.

He played nine games with the Mariners in July, hitting .263 (5-for-19). This year Robertson played 38 games at second base, 35 in left field, 29 in center and 16 in right field for Tacoma.

Robertson made his big-league debut with the Angels in 2015 and was originally drafted by San Diego in 2008.