Roster Changes

[Special_K19]

Elder Relief
The Indians brought up Dave Elder on May 1 following the right-hander's strong start this season in the minor leagues. Elder's contract was purchased from Triple-A Buffalo by the Indians, who outrighted right-hander Aaron Myette from their 40-man roster and sent him to the Bisons. Elder did not allow a run and picked up six saves in eight appearances for Buffalo. In 12 2/3 innings, he struck out 17 and held opponents to a .122 average. The Indians considered keeping him following a strong spring training when he pitched six scoreless innings.

[Special_K19]

After proving his durability, Elder joins Indians bullpen
05/02/03

Right-hander Dave Elder, who probably should have made the Indians' Opening Day roster, arrived a month late yesterday.

Elder was promoted from Class AAA Buffalo. Right-hander Aaron Myette was taken off the 40-man roster and sent to Buffalo.

"We called Dave up because we feel he's all the way back to where he was last year," said manager Eric Wedge. "He doesn't have any tenderness in his elbow and he's shown us he's durable."

Elder, who came to spring training as a non-roster player, did not allow a run in eight appearances for Buffalo. He saved six games and struck out 17 in 12Ҡinnings.

In spring training, Elder didn't allow a run in six appearances. But the Indians weren't satisfied with the condition of his elbow and sent him to the minors to prove he could stand the strain.

"I was disappointed when they sent me down, but I went there and showed them I could pitch in back-to-back games," said Elder. "There was nothing really wrong with my elbow, just soreness. My main objective in Buffalo was to show them I could bounce back."

Elder had ligament-transplant surgery on his right elbow in 1998, but says his elbow is fine now.

Wedge said he'll use Elder, 27, late in games. Wedge has needed a right-handed setup man to help a bullpen that is 0-8 with a 4.76 ERA. Maybe Elder can do it.

Myette, who cleared waivers, made two appearances for the Indians, coming 10 days apart. He gave up four runs on five hits in 1Ҡinnings on Tuesday against Anaheim.

"Aaron needs to go to Buffalo and get command of his fastball," said Wedge.