KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When the Indians told left-hander Bruce Chen in late March that he wasn't going to make the club, he surprised some by staying with the organization and opening the season at Class AAA Columbus.

There were perks involved as the Indians guaranteed him a spot in the Columbus rotation and gave him a chance to opt out of his contract whenever another big-league opportunity presented itself.

But there was another perk that seemed to interest Chen, 37, more than the others.

"They said I'd have a shot at coming to the big leagues and pitching in Cleveland," said Chen at the time.

Manager Terry Francona said Wednesday that the well-traveled Chen will start Saturday against the Twins at Progressive Field. With fifth starter TJ House on the disabled list with a sore left shoulder, it's unclear if this is only a spot start for Chen or could turn into a longer stay.

House went on the 15-day disabled list on May 1.

Chen is 2-1 with a 1.74 ERA in five starts at Columbus. He's struck out 23 and walked three in 31 innings. Chen has a 0.71 WHIP and the opposition is hitting .178 against him.

The Indians will be Chen's 11th big-league club. He made his debut with the Braves in 1998. Other stops include Philadelphia, the Mets, Montreal, Cincinnati, Houston, Boston, Baltimore, Texas and Kansas City.

"He's been throwing really well," said Francona. "He and (Shaun) Marcum have been doing exactly what you want. "

Marcum, who has already made one appearance for the Indians this season, is 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA in three starts at Columbus. He has 10 strikeouts and five walks in 18 innings, but has not pitched since April 28.

"It was more based on whose day it was to pitch," said Francona.

House can't come off the disabled list until May 16. It's unclear if he'll go back into the Tribe's rotation, go on a rehab assignment or be optioned to Columbus.

"I honestly don't know," said Francona. "My guess is we'll do whatever is best for TJ's career."

Chen is 82-80 with a 4.58 ERA in his career. He's appeared in 398 games, made 225 starts and thrown 1,525 2/3 innings. Last season with the Royals, he appeared in just 13 games and was eventually released after struggling with a back injury.

Chen will be the seventh pitcher, and second left-hander, to start a game for the Indians this season. The club will have to create a spot on the 40- and 25-man roster for Chen, who came to spring training on a minor-league deal.