CLEVELAND – The long-awaited rehab assignment for Kerry Wood is finally set to take place.

The Indians announced Sunday that the veteran closer, who has been inactive since sustaining a strained right lat muscle shortly into spring training, would begin a rehab stint with Double-A Akron today.

Wood is expected to make at least two appearances for the Aeros, pitching one inning in each outing.

“He’s got to go over there and just compete and be able to throw all his pitches, and then come back and do it again,” said Indians manager Manny Acta.

Wood will be re-evaluated after the rehab stint and could be activated before the end of the week.

Right-hander Chris Perez has been filling in for Wood, and though he struggled early, has converted four of his five save opportunities. Perez hasn’t allowed a run in his last seven appearances.

 

Sweet Lou

Embroiled in a season-long slump, catcher Lou Marson is beginning to pick up steam at the plate.

Marson has produced four straight multi-hit games, going 2-for-4 with a double Sunday. Both hits came off Twins ace Francisco Liriano.

 

Next up

The Indians continue their homestand with a three-game series against Toronto that begins tonight at 7:05.

Mitch Talbot (3-1, 2.05 ERA) opens the set, opposing LHP Brett Cecil (1-1, 3.55), while Jake Westbrook (0-2, 5.53) goes Tuesday (7:05 p.m.) against LHP Ricky Romero (2-1, 2.25).

Fausto Carmona (3-1, 4.05) will start the series finale Wednesday (12:05 p.m.), the Jays countering with RHP Brandon Morrow (2-2, 5.46).

 

Minor details

Triple-A Columbus’ Chris Gimenez produced his fourth multi-hit game in the last six Saturday, going 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI in the Clippers’ 13-2 victory over Syracuse. Gimenez, who entered Sunday batting .321 with five homers and 11 RBIs, went 10-for-21 with two homers and six RBIs over the six-game span. … In just his third game of the season, Columbus’ Jordan Brown went 2-for-4 with a career-high six RBIs in the win over Syracuse. Brown, who led the International League with a .336 batting average last year, missed the first month of the season while recovering from right knee surgery that was performed during spring training.

 

Roundin’ third

The Indians have scored nearly 50 percent (42-of-85) of their runs with two outs. … Cleveland has four wins when trailing after seven innings, accomplishing as much just eight times last year. … The Avon Lake marching band performed the National Anthem. … Tonight, 7:05, STO/WMMS 100.7-FM.  

 

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