Dodgers sell Justin Sellers to Indians

GLENDALE -- The Dodgers on Sunday traded infielder Justin Sellers to the Indians for cash considerations, finding a new home for the 28-year-old who was designated for assignment on Feb. 22.

Sellers was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena, who was signed to a five-year, $25 million contract.

Sellers hit .199/.278/.301 in parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, with 13 doubles and three home runs in 82 games. He made the opening day roster in each of the last two seasons, including starting at shortstop to begin the 2013 season in place of the injured Hanley Ramirez.

With a wide-open competition for a couple utility spots on the Dodgers bench, Sellers was hoping to make three straight opening day rosters, but he was essentially the first cut of the spring, and didn't take it well.

"It was tough on him. Justin was trying really hard. He feels like he worked hard this winter, and wanted to fight for that spot. He knew there were a couple spots open and he felt like he was one of those guys," manager Don Mattingly said last week. "It was not an easy conversation."

To make room for Sellers on their 40-man roster, the Indians designated first baseman David Cooper for assignment.