GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Jeremy Sowers finally took the mound Thursday, making his exhibition debut and allowing two runs on three hits through two innings of the Indians’ 6-2 victory over the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.
Sowers, Cleveland’s firstround draft pick (sixth overall) in 2004, has been working his way back from left-shoulder inflammation. He retired the side in order in the first before allowing three consecutive hits to start the second, including a two-run home run to Jonny Gomes.
“I suppose there’s two ways to look at it,” Sowers said. ‘Was I healthy, yes.’ The results were all right. When you’re in spring training, you don’t expect to come out guns a blazin’ and painting the knees.”
Sowers, 26, began dealing with shoulder problems shortly after last season ended. He opted not to undergo surgery, feeling rest would cure the ailment.
“When you go out and play catch and feel pain, it’s not very encouraging,” Sowers said. “It’s one of those things you just keep working through. Slowly but surely, it starts feeling better.
“Everything got stronger and more stabilized. I like the spot it’s in right now.”
The same can’t be said for his spot with the Indians. Sowers, who has made 71 starts for Cleveland the past four seasons, is not in the race for one of two openings in the rotation, and has only an outside shot at winning a job in the bullpen. He is out of minor-league options and is expected to open the season on the disabled list, with the Indians not wanting to risk losing him on waivers.
“(The Indians) just want me to be healthy,” said Sowers, who has failed to live up to expectations throughout the majority of his tenure in Cleveland. “Whatever ends up being the case, is fine with me. Ultimately, it’s just about being healthy.
“I’ve been treated exceptionally well by this organization. If I walked out of the door and they said, ‘goodbye,’ that would be fine. They’re going to do what’s best for this team.”
Injury updates
Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (strained left groin) said he would return to the lineup today in one of the Indians’ split-squad games.
Manager Manny Acta confirmed as much. Cabrera has been on the shelf since last Friday when he sustained the injury diving back to third base in an exhibition game against the Angels in Goodyear.
◾ Acta said closer Kerry Wood (strained right lat) played catch Thursday, but the manager still doesn’t have a timetable for the right-hander’s return. “I know it’s a story for (the media), but it’s a non-issue to us,” Acta said. “He’s a closer. He doesn’t have to be out there every day.”
◾ Acta was asked if there was a progress report on first baseman Russell Branyan, who has yet to play in an exhibition game, still dealing with a lower-back issue.
Acta’s reply? “No.”
Throw strikes
Acta’s insistence that his staff throws first-pitch strikes has paid off this spring. Entering Thursday, Indians pitchers had issued the third-fewest walks in the majors (39), and ranked second (first in the American League) with a 3.68 ERA.
Cleveland was one of the league leaders in walks last season.
Medical moment
Reliever Jason Grilli underwent surgery Wednesday in Vail, Colorado, to repair the quadriceps tendon in his right knee. The righthander was a candidate for one of two spots in the Indians’ bullpen before sustaining the injury during an agility drill shortly into camp.
Disciplinary day
Right-handed pitcher Jeffry Cleto, a 19-year-old Dominican Summer League player for the Indians, was suspended 50 games by MLB for testing positive for banned substances. He was signed this offseason and has been released at no cost to the Indians.
Another DSL player, Steven Lebron, was also suspended for 50 games earlier this spring.
Roundin’ third
Former Indian Aaron Boone paid a visit to the Cleveland clubhouse prior to the game. Boone retired this season after undergoing heart surgery and now is an analyst for ESPN.
Indians minor leaguers will open the exhibition season today.
◾ Today, 4:05, Indians (ss) vs. Rangers at Surprise’s Surprise Stadium/Indians (ss) vs. Giants at Scottsdale’s Scottsdale Stadium.
Rangers game on WMMS 100.7-FM (delayed 7 p.m.). Aaron Laffey (0-1, 5.40) vs. Texas’ Brandon McCarthy (1-1, 3.60). Justin Masterson (1-1, 1.29) vs. San Francisco’s Jonathan Sanchez (1-1, 7.71).
Hits
- Designated hitter Travis Hafner hit his first home run of the spring, a solo blast in the fourth inning that traveled well above the 410-foot wall in dead center.
- Left fielder Trevor Crowe went 2-for-3 with a double and made a nice running catch down the line in the opening inning.
- Utility infield candidate Mark Grudzielanek made a diving snare on line drive in the fourth, then threw to first to double up the runner and end the inning.
- First baseman Wes Hodges continued his impressive performance at the plate. He went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and his first homer of the spring, and is batting .375 (9-for-24) with three doubles and seven RBIs in 10 games.
Misses
- Jeremy Sowers made his exhibition debut and after retiring the side in order in the first, allowed three consecutive hits to begin the second, including a two-run homer to Jonny Gomes.
Rising star
Prized pitching prospect, right-hander Hector Rondon, tossed three scoreless innings and allowed two hits, while striking out four. He hasn’t allowed a run in three exhibition appearances (5 2/ 3 innings).
Attendance
5,478 at Goodyear Ballpark
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or ctsports1@yahoo.com.
