Indians cut veteran RP Hernandez; Dellucci on DL

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians cut veteran reliever Roberto Hernandez on Wednesday and placed outfielder David Dellucci on the 15-day disabled list.

The team recalled outfielder Ben Francisco and right-hander Edward Mujica from Triple-A Buffalo.

The 42-year-old Hernandez, whose 326 saves are 11th on the career list, was designated for assignment. Cleveland has 10 days to trade him or place him on waivers.

"This was a very difficult decision because of our respect for him and for the role he had as a leader in the clubhouse," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said. "He doesn't appear to be a guy who is done. His arm is still strong, is stuff is good. He just hasn't been consistent."

He went 3-1 with 6.23 ERA in 28 games after signing a $3.5 million, one-year contract as a free agent in December. He was hit hard Tuesday night in one inning against Philadelphia, allowing three runs, three hits and two walks.

The right-hander has pitched for nine major league teams since being called up in 1991 by the Chicago White Sox. He has a 67-69 record and a 3.39 ERA.

Cleveland is responsible for the remainder of his $3.3 million salary this year and a $200,000 buyout of a $3.7 million team option for 2008.

Dellucci was hurt running out a ground ball in the fourth inning Tuesday night. Signed to a three-year contract as a free agent on Dec. 6, he is hitting .234 (41-for-175) with four homers and 20 RBI in 54 games. This is his fifth career stint on the DL, but first since 2003.

"We're waiting for the results of the MRI, but it seems to be fairly serious," manager Eric Wedge said. "To what degree, we don't know yet."

The 25-year-old Francisco hit .329 (79-for-240) with six homers, 34 RBI and 15 stolen bases at Buffalo. He was with the Indians from May 1-3 and made his big league debut May 1 as a defensive replacement, but has not had an at bat in the majors.

Mujica was 0-1 with 11 saves and a 6.35 ERA in 22 relief appearances at Buffalo. In 12 games the past two seasons for Cleveland, he is 0-1 with a 3.22 ERA.