MINNEAPOLIS -- The Indians, in need of starting pitching depth and amidst trade talk involving C.C. Sabathia, have signed Jeff Weaver. The veteran right-hander agreed to a Minor League contract Saturday and will report to Triple-A Buffalo.

"We signed him for depth," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "We are short on starting depth. He's an experienced guy, willing to go to Triple-A, so that's why we signed him."

Weaver pitched for Milwaukee's Triple-A affiliate in Nashville from May 1-June 11, compiling a 2-4 record with a 6.22 ERA in nine starts. The Brewers granted Weaver his unconditional release on June 12. The veteran's contract included an "out" clause if he had not been promoted by June 15.

Prior to Saturday's game against the Twins, Wedge was asked if there would be an opening in the rotation on the horizon.

"That's not something I can really talk about," Wedge said.

With Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook shelved with injuries, the Indians' rotation currently features Sabathia, Paul Byrd, Cliff Lee, Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers. The Tribe hopes Carmona can return shortly after the All-Star break, while Westbrook is out for the season. Carmona, on the DL since May 24 with a left hip strain, will throw a bullpen session at the Metrodome on Sunday morning. The club should have a better understanding of his time table at that point.

Sabathia is reportedly on the trade block, while both Byrd (3-10, 5.53) and Sowers (0-4, 7.53) have struggled. The combination of these factors accelerated a need for depth in starting pitching.

Byrd's spot in the rotation is currently safe, according to Wedge.

Asked if Byrd could be jettisoned from the rotation for a spot in the bullpen, Wedge said: "It's tough to do. We've stretched our depth. Byrd, I know he's struggled, but he's also a guy that can find it, and start to give you quality starts again. The option of him being in the bullpen, I don't consider that an option yet. If you take somebody out, you have to fill it with somebody."

Weaver, 31, was 7-13 with a 6.20 ERA for the Mariners last year in 27 starts. He has a career record of 93-114 with an ERA of 4.72 in 284 appearances over nine seasons in the Majors. He has pitched for the Tigers, Yankees, Dodgers, Angels, Cardinals and Mariners.

Wedge admitted that he didn't know a lot about the veteran righty.

Weaver has won double-digit games in five different seasons, but he has only finished with a record above .500 once (14-11 in 2005 with the Dodgers). He won three games in the 2006 postseason for the World Series champion Cardinals.

The Weaver signing might fan the smoldering Sabathia rumors. Wedge said Sabathia is handling the speculation "very good."

"I think he has been a consummate professional, and I think he's shown just how tough he is in regard to how he's handled this and how he's been able to keep his focus," Wedge said.