SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera returned to the lineup Friday after a week on the shelf with a strained left groin. He showed no ill affects during an 0-for-1 performance that included a walk and a run in the Indians’ 7-6 loss to the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium.

Cabrera walked in the third inning, then advanced from first to third base on a single from Grady Sizemore. He scored on a base hit from Matt LaPorta.

“He went from first to third and was able to get another at-bat (after grounding out in the first),” said Cleveland manager Manny Acta. “That tells us he’s fine.”   

Cabrera, Cleveland’s new leadoff hitter, is batting .455 (5-for-11) with a triple, home run and two RBIs in five exhibition games.

In other injury news:

* Head trainer Lonnie Soloff is expected to provide a status report today on closer Kerry Wood, who has not pitched since straining the lat muscle in his right arm last Saturday.

“It’s taken longer than we thought,” Acta said of Wood’s return. “It’s something he’s had before in spring training. I think the trainers are looking at him more in- depth.”

* Acta still doesn’t seem concerned with the status of first baseman Russell Branyan, who is dealing with a herniated disk in his lower back and has yet to play in an exhibition game.

“I think we still feel he’s going to be ready (for opening day),” Acta said. “We still have enough time. He’s feeling much better and still finishing his rehab with the training staff.”