Defectors Get Contracts

Cleveland and Seattle each have signed Cuban defectors, with outfielder Osmani Santana going to the Indians and catcher Francisco Santiesteban going to the Mariners.

Rene Guim, a spokesman for the players’ agent, Joe Cubas, said the two left Costa Rica and headed for the United States on Monday night to join minor league teams.

Santiesteban, who defected last November while the Cuban team toured Colombia, is considered one of the top Cuban prospects. Santana defected last October while the Cuban national team toured Mexico.

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Mariano Rivera, who saved 43 games as the New York Yankees’ closer last season, was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right groin. The Yankees recalled right-hander Mike Buddie from triple-A Columbus. . . . The Cleveland Indians have placed infielder Enrique Wilson on the 15-day disabled list because of a left thumb sprain sustained sliding against the Angels. They have recalled infielder Jolbert Cabrera from Buffalo.