Indians Ruhle, 8 Others to Camp

The Cleveland Indians have invited nine players, including newly acquired pitcher Vern Ruhle, to spring training camp in Tucson, Ariz., the American League team announced.

The first workout for pitchers and catchers in Tucson is scheduled Feb. 24. The first full-squad workout will be on Feb. 27.

The Indians acquired Ruhle last month as a free agent. He had been with the Houston Astros since 1978.

Also invited to camp were infielder Cory Snyder; pitchers John Farrell, Dave Von Ohlen and Jerry Reed, and catchers Vic Garcia, Andy Allanson, Gene Petralli and Butch Benton.

Snyder was the Indians’ first pick, fourth overall, in the June 1984 free agent draft. He has been on the roster at the team’s Class AA affiliate in Waterbury, Conn.

Farrell was a second-round pick in the June 1984 free agent draft.

Von Ohlen was acquired last month from the St. Louis Cardinals as a free agent.

Reed and Petralli both played in 1984 at the Indians’ Class AAA farm club in Maine.

Garcia, who was the Indians’ top pick in the January 1984 free agent draft, played last year at Class A Batavia in New York.

Allanson was the Indians’ second pick in the June 1983 free agent draft.

Benton, who signed with the Indians as a free agent this month, played last year at Detroit’s Class AAA affiliate in Evansville, Ill.