Chen tossed a pair of hitless innings in his first appearance of the spring Thursday. Chen's in camp looking to win the fifth starter spot in a competition that includes Zach McAllister, Josh Tomlin, Danny Salazar and T.J. House so he'll need to pitch himself into the rotation picture this spring.

Chen agreed to a minor league deal with the Indians on Monday, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports.Chen made seven starts for the Royals in 2014 and ended up on the mound in six other appearances. Finishing the year with an ERA of 7.45 on 48.1 innings pitched, the 37-year-old will likely struggle to see time in the majors during the 2015 campaign.

Chen was designated for assignment Friday. Chen struggled in his last relief outing, allowing six earned runs in just one inning of work. The horrid inning raised his ERA to 7.45 on the season, a number that is too high to overlook at the major league level. He will now have to decide whether to accept his assignment or look for work with another club.

Bruce Chen allowed six runs on eight hits over five innings in Sunday's loss to the Indians. Chen took a 2-0 lead into the fourth inning but proceeded to allow six runs over the next two-plus innings of work. Jason Vargas continues to inch closer to being activated, meaning Chen's days in the rotation are limited. He owns a 6.42 ERA and 1.67 WHIP on the year.

Bruce Chen held the White Sox to one run over five innings in a win Tuesday. Chen's only mistake was a home run by Adam Dunn, but the left-hander limited the Sox to four hits and no runs over the rest of his time on the mound. It was his first win since April 19 and just his second win overall. Chen has filled in admirably in Jason Vargas' absence, but with Vargas nearing a return Chen will soon fade back into fantasy irrelevance.

Bruce Chen allowed two runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision against the Tigers on Sunday. Chen, who's filling in for Jason Vargas as he recovers from an appendectomy, struck out two without walking a batter on the day. He owns a 6.46 ERA and 1.66 WHIP through 30 2/3 innings as a spot starter and long reliever.

Royals activated LHP Bruce Chen from the 60-day disabled list. Chen has been out since late April because of a back injury and did not pitch well on his minor league rehab assignment. The left-hander carries no fantasy value and he might not be in the majors for very long.

Royals transferred LHP Bruce Chen from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. The move was made in order to clear room on the 40-man roster for Justin Maxwell. Chen is due back soon from a back injury.

Bruce Chen (back) is expected to need two more rehab starts before being activated from the disabled list. Chen allowed two runs on eight hits over three innings in his first rehab outing with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday. He's being stretched out as a starter, but there's no guarantee he'll return as a member of the rotation.

Bruce Chen (back) will make a minor league rehab start Tuesday will Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Chen, out since late April with a bulging disk in his lower back, is scheduled to throw 45 pitches. He figures to return in the next couple of weeks, but he might do so in the bullpen.