GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Did the Indians buy damaged goods when they signed first baseman Russell Branyan to a one-year contract worth $2 million this offseason? It’s sure starting to look that way.

Branyan, whose career year in Seattle last season ended prematurely with a lower-back injury, brought the ailment with him to Goodyear, where he has yet to play in an exhibition game.

The Russ Bus had a whole offseason to rest his back and it’s still bothering him? That’s not a good sign.

The Indians don’t seem overly concerned by Branyan’s slow recovery, claiming they counted on him to continue his rehabilitation this spring in order to get ready for the regular season.

But manager Manny Acta apparently wasn’t on that page when he said that Branyan would make his exhibition debut Wednesday. That was wishful thinking for the Tribe’s new skipper.

Not only did Branyan not answer the bell, the slugger said Saturday he had stopped taking groundballs and hitting in the cage – something Acta said he was doing on a somewhat regular basis since arriving in Goodyear.

In fact, Branyan said he was “hoping” to play catch today. Play catch? Uh, Russ, the regular season starts April 5 in Chicago, bro. You might want to ramp up things a bit.

Or, maybe he can’t.

Even if the Indians are proceeding with caution, it doesn’t bode well for the 162-game regular-season schedule. Odds are good that at some point, Branyan’s back will start barking again.

Cleveland has an emergency plan in place with prized prospect Matt LaPorta, who underwent two surgeries (big toe and hip) in the offseason, but has already made it back this spring, playing in two games.

If Branyan isn’t able to go when the regular season starts, LaPorta would most likely take over at first – barring a miraculous effort from Andy Marte this spring, which is highly unlikely.

How ironic would that be? The Indians signed Branyan because they didn’t feel LaPorta, a career outfielder, was ready to man first base on a regular basis in the majors, and LaPorta winds up there anyway.

If Branyan’s back breaks down, the Indians not only lose their starting first baseman and one of their top power hitters, they also wave bye to $2 million.

It’s only $2 million, but to Dolan’s Discounts, that’s a lot of money.

Cabrera caper

Asdrubal Cabrera will most likely miss a week after straining his left groin while diving back to third base on a pickoff attempt Friday in Goodyear.

Cabrera said Saturday he didn’t think the injury was serious and that he was day-to-day.

“It’s a very mild strain,” Acta said.

Still, the Indians will probably be cautious with their new leadoff hitter, who was off to a positive start this spring – .500 (5-for-10) with a triple, home run and two RBIs in four games.

Wood’s world

Closer Kerry Wood did not make his scheduled appearance against the Rangers on Saturday.

“He’s got a little bit of spring training (arm) soreness,” Acta said. “He just didn’t feel ready to pitch.”

Wood, 32, was healthy last year in his first season with the Indians, but he’s got a long history of injuries, making 12 trips to the disabled list over a 12-year career.

The right-hander has made two appearances this spring, both of them scoreless outings.

Roundin’ third

Outfielder Michael Brantley entered Saturday having reached base safely in seven of his 16 plate appearances. … Outfielder Nick Weglarz entered Saturday leading the American League with a .643 on-base percentage, and tied for the league lead with seven walks. … The Indians will play a “B” game today against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. … Today, 4:05, SportsTime Ohio/WMMS 100.7-FM vs. Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Aaron Laffey (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Chris Young (0-0, 2.25).

Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.