Ludwick, 25, was 4-for-26 for the Rangers (.154) but had been hitting .303 with 24 doubles, 17 home runs and 63 RBIs in 81 games for Triple-A Oklahoma.

"We think (Ludwick) is a tremendous talent," Tribe general manager Mark Shapiro said. "(He's a) right-handed power hitter and that's hard to come by."

The Indians are Ludwick's third team. He was originally in the Oakland A's organization, but was involved in the January 2002 deal that brought first baseman Carlos Pena to the A's.

Ludwick split the 2002 season with Oklahoma (.285 with 15 homers and 52 RBIs) and Texas (.235 with one homer and nine RBIs) but didn't play after Aug. 2 due to a hip fracture. The Indians expect him to be in their lineup as early as Saturday.

Spencer was hitting .271 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs for the Indians. He was riding a 10-game hitting streak.

"He was a professional. He understood," Wedge said of Spencer's reaction. "This is a guy that we signed in the winter time and although he did have a tough stretch there, you look at his numbers now and he's doing what we signed him to do.

"We want to make sure that not only are we strong day-to-day this year but also be that much stronger next year and years to come. This deal makes that happen."

Rodriguez, on the disabled list since July 2 with a right hip/groin strain, was tabbed as the Indians No. 2 starter at the beginning of the season. However, after going 3-9 with a 5.73 ERA in 15 starts for the Indians, they sent him to Triple-A Buffalo.

"With the emergence of so many of our young pitchers, we feel we're set there and could trade someone like Rodriguez," said Shapiro.

Peter Zellen is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.