Minneapolis ? Right-hander Scott Elarton signed a minor-league contract Friday with the Cleveland Indians, and the 31-year-old was assigned to pitch out of the bullpen for Triple-A Buffalo.

“He’s just down there to pitch. There’s no grand plan,” manager Eric Wedge said.

Elarton was released by the Kansas City Royals last week after going 2-4 with a 10.46 earned-run average in nine starts. He gave up 53 hits and 21 walks in 37 innings, having not regained form since shoulder surgery sidelined him for the final 71 games of last season and the first 36 games this year.

“He said he feels good. His arm problems are behind him. It’s a good opportunity to get some regular work,” Wedge said.

Elarton, who also missed time this season due to a foot problem, signed an $8 million, two-year contract with the Royals before the 2006 season.

Elarton pitched for the Indians in 2004 and 2005. He is 56-60 with a 5.31 ERA in 10 major league seasons, beginning in 1998 with the Houston Astros.