Indians add OF Kearns to the roster

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Indians officially added outfielder Austin Kearns to their 40-man roster by designating outfielder Jordan Brown for assignment.

Kearns re-signed with the Indians last month, signing a one-year, $1.3 million free agent contact. He began 2010 with Cleveland before being traded to the New York Yankees on July 30. He batted .272 with eight homers and 42 RBIs in 84 for the Indians.

Brown had two stints with the Indians last season. He appeared in 26 games, batting .230 with two RBIs. At Triple-A Columbus, the 27-year-old batted .298 with eight homers and 67 RBIs. The Indians have 10 days to trade, release or outright Brown to the minor leagues.