Jensen

Lewis

Lewis allowed only four hits over seven scoreless innings this spring, but he wasn’t able to crack the talented Arizona bullpen. He’ll act as relief depth this year.

The deal also carries an invite to spring training, where Lewis will attempt to land a spot in the Arizona bullpen. He’ll get a $675,000 salary if he manages the feat.

Lewis hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2010 and spent last year with the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate. While he’s had success in the past as a middle reliever, he remains doubtful to win a spot in the Cubs’ bullpen.

Lewis suddenly got wild again, walking five in his last two appearances. He still had a 2.61 ERA in 10 1/3 innings this season, but he had an option left and guys like Hector Ambriz and Rafael Perez can’t be sent down.

Aaron Fultz was supposed to be activated today to fill the spot opened up with Edward Mujica went down, but it appears something went wrong there. Lewis, 23, will be making his major league debut. He had a 1.73 ERA in 52 innings as a reliever between Double- and Triple-A.

He was sent down in order to make room for the newly acquired Jose Veras. Lewis struggled to the tune of a 5.03 ERA and nine homers allowed in just 39 1/3 innings this season. Lewis has been a pretty big disappointment if you consider that he saved 13 games for the Indians last season. He’s a good bet to be back before long.

Lewis was sent down by the Indians just over a month ago after putting up a 5.03 ERA over his first 28 appearances. He was great with Triple-A Columbus, not allowing a run over 12 appearances, spanning 18 2/3 innings, including an impressive 28/7 K/BB ratio. He’ll hope to improve a bullpen that has a league-worst 5.11 ERA this season.

Lewis appeared in 21 games with the Indians earlier this season, posting a 3.82 ERA and 22/16 K/BB ratio in 30 2/3 innings, so the 24-year-old should get a chance to claim a long-term role in the suddenly rebuilt bullpen this time around. He had a 3.60 ERA and 18/8 K/BB ratio in 20 innings at Triple-A.

As usual, manager Eric Wedge opted to bring Rafael Perez into the game in a tight situation earlier on. After Perez allowed one run in 1 2/3 innings, Lewis came in and received the easier assignment in the ninth. The scoreless inning gave him a 4.17 ERA for the season. He could be good for a few more saves, but it doesn’t look like the Indians will name a closer anytime soon.

The Indians are expected to shop for a veteran closer during the offseason, but Lewis will likely be the fallback plan after converting 10-of-10 save chances since taking over the job.