Craig Stammen #35 of the Washington Nationals pitches during the sixth inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 31, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Nationals 11-1. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) – The Indians gave themselves another bullpen option heading into Spring Training, signing veteran reliever Craig Stammen to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invite to big league camp.

Stammen, a 31-year-old hurler, will compete for a spot in Cleveland’s Major League pen.

The right-hander was non-tendered by the Washington Nationals earlier this off-season after missing most of the 2015 campaign following surgery in April to repair two nearly completely torn flexor tendons in his right forearm. He made just five appearances last season.

“What I’m going to have to do is prove that I’m healthy and prove that I’m the same pitcher I was in 2014 and even at the very start of 2015 before I had the injury, which I don’t feel will be that difficult,” he told the Washington Post in December.

“I’m already feeling as strong as I have ever felt. I know for a fact that I’m in the best shape that I’ve ever been in my life at age 31. I’m ready to go back and compete. I’ve spent a year on the sidelines watching my buddies play. It’s now my time for me to play with them.”

Stammen, who is a native of Ohio and graduate of Versailles High School, owns a career 3.91 career ERA (3.70 FIP) over seven big league campaigns.

From 2012-2014, the righty was one of baseball’s more consistent relievers, posting a 2.93 ERA (3.16 FIP) in 163 appearances with Washington. Over that time, he logged 242.2 innings, striking out 222 and walking 77 with a 1.25 WHIP.

Other non-roster invites among relievers this spring include: Joba Chamberlain, Joe Thatcher, Ross Detwiler and Tom Gorzelanny.

Indians pitchers and catchers must report to Goodyear, Arizona by Feb. 17. The Tribe’s first full squad workout is set for Feb. 22.

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