CLEVELAND — What was expected to be one of the Indians’ strengths has been a major weakness.
Through the first seven games of the season, Cleveland’s offense scored a total of 27 runs (3.43 per game), which ranked second-to-last in the American League. The Indians’ .221 batting average through Tuesday ranked 12th in the AL, while their slugging percentage (.336) and on-base percentage (.302), ranked second-to-last.
“We’re fine,” said Indians manager Manny Acta, whose team entered Wednesday with only five home runs (12th in the AL).
“We’ve been in every game so far. We’ve been having quality at-bats even in the games we haven’t won. It will take time, but some of these guys will start clicking.”
No player in the starting lineup Wednesday owned a batting average at .300 or above, with second baseman Luis Valbuena (.200), third baseman Jhonny Peralta (.174), left fielder Michael Brantley (.174) and catcher Lou Marson (.077) struggling the most.
There have been some positives at the plate.
Shin-Soo Choo appears to be picking up steam after a slow start, entering Wednesday with four hits, two homers, two RBIs and four runs in his last six atbats.
First baseman Matt LaPorta recorded hits in three of his first four at-bats with runners in scoring position.
And injury-prone designated hitter Travis Hafner is off to an adequate start, with a .269 average, one homer and three RBIs. More importantly, Hafner, who was in the lineup Wednesday, has played in all of Cleveland’s games.
“We’re very encouraged by that,” Acta said. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to play him every day, but we’re satisfied with where he’s at health-wise.”
Grady’s back
Grady Sizemore returned to the lineup after missing two games with a tight back.
Injuries sidetracked Sizemore last year, the center fielder batting a career-low .248, and undergoing a pair of surgeries (left elbow and lower abdominal wall) at the end of the season.
Chris Perez fine, too
Acta isn’t concerned with the recent struggles of closer Chris Perez, who has pitched poorly his last two times out after starting the season with consecutive saves.
“He’s fine,” Acta said. “It’s tough to be perfect in this game, especially when you’re a closer.
It’s two games. We’re not talking about a month here.”
Perez has not handled failure well, questioning an umpire’s call, calling out Marson and saying he doesn’t deserve to be in the ninthinning role. “He’s just a young kid,” Acta said of the 24-year-old righthander.
“At least he’s accountable. We have no worries about him losing the job. I feel that Chris has the stuff to do it.”
Perez is filling in for injured closer Kerry Wood, who is scheduled to throw his second bullpen session Friday. Acta said the Indians would not try to expedite Wood’s return in light of Perez’s recent struggles.
“We will not put anybody in jeopardy just because somebody else is struggling,” he said.
Branyan report
Russell Branyan (herniated disk in lower back) did not play Tuesday but was in the lineup for Triple-A Columbus at designated hitter Wednesday.
Branyan had played in three rehab games for the Clippers through Tuesday, going 3-for-10 with a double and an RBI, and could be activated before the end of the week.
Roundin’ third
Fausto Carmona has limited opposing hitters to a .133 average over his first two starts, the lowest in the AL for pitchers with at least seven innings.
Every player in the majors taking the field today will wear No. 42 in honor of the game’s first black player, Jackie Robinson.
Chiemela Ubagharaji, a sophomore at Oberlin College, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, representing the Jackie Robinson foundation.
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 3297136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.
