Bullington joins the Tribe

The mystery man who will make an emergency spot start for the Tribe during Saturday's day-night doubleheader against the Royals is none other than right-hander Bryan Bullington, the former No. 1 overall pick of the Pirates in the 2002 Draft and one of many reclamation projects the Indians had going at Triple-A Buffalo.

Because Buffalo's season ended a week ago, the Indians weren't expected to call on any of the Bisons for this start. But Bullington, who was on the 40-man roster already, started that final game on Labor Day and he played catch the other day. He has joined the club in Baltimore and was expected to throw a bullpen session today.

Bullington, 27, was 1-3 with a save and a  4.75 ERA in 10 games, including eight starts, for Buffalo. While with the Pirates' Triple-A club in Indianapolis earlier this year, he was 4-6 with a 5.52 ERA in 15 starts before he was designated for assignment on July 3.

Bullington, like David Letterman, went to Ball State. He missed all of 2006 due to right shoulder surgery, just one of many disappointments from his tenure with the Bucs.

On an unrelated note, Travis Hafner will, as expected, be officially activated Tuesday.

UPDATE (7:55 p.m.): Sharp-minded associate Andrew "The Scribble" Gribble has suggested a nickname for Bullington, should he be dealing Saturday. "Bullington K Factory."

If you don't get the reference, you're not alone. I didn't get it at first, either. It's a take on Burlington Coat Factory.

So, who's with the Scribble on this one?

Crickets?