Graffanino signs with Indians

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians have signed veteran infielder Tony Graffanino and right-hander Juan Rincon to minor league contracts.

The 35-year-old Graffanino has played for six major league teams since breaking in with Atlanta in 1995. He batted .238 in 86 games for Milwaukee last year before sustaining a season-ending injury to his right knee in August. He had surgery for torn meniscus soon after, and then had a torn anterior cruciate ligament repaired in December.

Graffanino has a .267 career batting average.

Rincon was released by Minnesota on June 12. He made 24 relief appearances and went 2-2 with a 6.11 ERA. He has a 30-26 career record in eight seasons, all with the Twins.

Both players are expected to play for Triple-A Buffalo as part of the deals announced Tuesday.