"The Indians aren't waiting to see if the starting pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona will be able to begin the season on time.

They moved Friday to fortify the rotation, acquiring right-hander Kevin Slowey and cash from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor-league reliever Zach Putnam.

Though Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti insists that Slowey had been on his radar screen for years, Antonetti conceded, "Obviously there is some uncertainty with the situation about Fausto."

However, when Antonetti was asked if Carmona's problems triggered the deal, he said, "Not necessarily. We've been trying to acquire him since his college days at Winthrop. We tried to trade for him last year at the trading deadline."

Slowey, 27, spent his entire five-year, big-league career with the Minnesota Twins until he was swapped to the Rockies in December. Last year, he posted an 0-8 record and 6.67 ERA in 14 appearances, including eight starts.

The previous four seasons, Slowey was a starter almost exclusively. From 2008 through 2010 he compiled a 35-20 record with a 4.36 ERA.

Slowey missed time with a strained oblique and bursitis, but Antonetti believes he is totally healthy now. He said that Slowey will have to earn a spot in the rotation when he comes to training camp."