Marte was designated for assignment on Thursday after the club acquired reliever Juan Salas from the Tampa Rays for minor league infielder Isaias Velasquez.

The 25-year-old Marte came to Cleveland with high expectations as part of a seven-player trade in 2006, when the Indians shipped outfielder Coco Crisp, right-hander David Riske and catcher Josh Bard to Boston for Marte, right-handers Guillermo Moto and Randy Newsom and catcher Kelly Shoppach.

The Indians had hoped Marte, who began his career with Atlanta, would become a permanent fixture at third. But he has yet to develop into a dependable everyday player and will only return to the Indians if he clears waivers.

"He's still working to be more consistent at the big-league level," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "That's been the stumbling block for Andy. But he's still a young man and can still get there, but from our standpoint, with him out of options, this is kind of where we are right now. Maybe we'll get him back."

Marte was the Indians' starting third baseman over the final two months last season, but batted just .221 with three homers and 17 RBIs in 80 games. He was in Cleveland's opening-day lineup in 2007 but spent most of that season at Triple-A Buffalo. He hit only .219 with nine homers and 48 RBIs in 150 games for the Indians.

Salas, a right-hander who made five appearances for the Rays in 2008, will compete for Cleveland's lone available relief spot. The 30-year-old had a 7.11 ERA in five games over two stints with Tampa. He went 4-5 with a 2.62 ERA and one save in 28 games for Triple-A Durham last season.

Drafted as an infielder in 1998, Salas was converted to a reliever in 2004. He was first called up by the Rays two years later and went 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA in 34 games for Tampa in 2007.

"He's in the mix for the bullpen," Wedge said. "He's got a live arm and he has an option left."

Velasquez batted .281 with one homer and 18 RBIs for the Indians' Mahoning Valley (Class A) affiliate last season.

Cleveland Indians News News » Indians add reliever Salas, Marte designated
Indians add reliever Salas, Marte designated
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - Andy Marte was once viewed as Cleveland's third baseman of the future. He may now be in their past. MLB Spring Training