GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Grady Sizemore’s goal is to be in center field on opening day. The Cleveland Indians have accepted that might not be possible.

General manager Chris Antonetti said Tuesday that he’s not expecting Sizemore, the three-time All-Star who underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee in June, to be ready when the Indians open their season at home April 1 against the Chicago White Sox.

“It’s still a possibility,” Antonetti said. “But I’d say it’s less likely than more likely that he’ll be ready for the start of the season. We’re still hopeful it will still be near the start of the season. Whether that’s a few days or a few weeks, we just don’t know yet.”

Sizemore played in just 33 games last season before needing surgery. He originally injured his knee in an exhibition game and aggravated it while sliding back into a base May 16 in Baltimore. He had the season-ending operation June 4 in Vail, Colo.

The 28-year-old has been limited in training camp as he recovers, and while the Indians have been encouraged by his progress, Antonetti said Sizemore has a few more hurdles to clear.

“There’s a number of things he needs to do in terms of changing direction, both in outfield drills and running the bases, that he needs to accomplish before he’s cleared to play.”

Initially, the Indians thought Sizemore would be able to play in games by the second week in March. That no longer seems possible.

Sizemore has been taking batting practice, throwing and taking part in some agility drills. However, he’s only running at half-speed and hasn’t been able to test his knee by cutting on it. The Indians are keeping a close eye on Sizemore’s progress. They want him to stick to his program and not rush getting back.

“We’ve been really encouraged in what we’ve seen and how he’s felt throughout the process,” Antonetti said. “His batting practice has been as good or better than it’s been at any point. He’s used the whole field. He hit a couple of balls out of the ballpark the opposite way the other day. That shows that his legs are underneath him.

“It’s just a question of when he’ll get to that point from a running standpoint that he’ll be able to fully participate.”

If Sizemore can’t break camp with the Indians, he could stay behind for extended spring training in Arizona or report to one of the club’s minor league affiliates.

Kearns faces DUI

Outfielder Austin Kearns was re-signed by the Indians, who felt the veteran could have a positive influence on the majors’ youngest team.

They didn’t expect any trouble from him.

On Tuesday, the Indians expressed disappointment after learning Kearns was arrested in Kentucky last month on suspicion of drunk driving — just days before he reported to training camp.

Kearns didn’t tell the Indians about the arrest, which took place Feb. 12 in Lexington, his hometown. The club didn’t find out about the incident until late Monday night. Kearns met with manager Manny Acta and general manager Chris Antonetti at the team’s training complex Tuesday.

“We talked,” Kearns said, “and we’re all on the same page.”

Antonetti refused to discuss any specifics of Kearns’ situation, and repeatedly deferred to a statement the team released in which the GM said “the Indians organization takes these issues very seriously and is disappointed by the circumstances.”

Kearns said he did not tell the team about his arrest on the advice of his attorneys. He also declined to discuss any details of the arrest.

Kearns’ arrest was first reported by the Jessamine (Ky.) Journal.

According to the paper, the 30-year-old Kearns was arrested after being stopped by an off-duty Lexington police officer, who said Kearns was “flashing his headlights and weaving” in a 2007 Cadillac Escalade. Kearns posted bond and has a court appearance scheduled for March 10.

Kearns said his attorney will represent him in court. He would not say if he is contesting the DUI charge.

Citing the police report, the paper said Kearns told a sheriff’s deputy that he’d had “a couple bourbon and cokes.” According to the report, Kearns refused a field sobriety test and was “very unsteady on his feet.” Kearns reportedly told the officer he was a professional baseball player “and asked if I could cut him a break.”

Kearns said he saw the report, but had no comment about whether he asked for special treatment.

Indians nearing deal with Nick Johnson

A person familiar with the negotiations says the Indians are close to signing oft-injured first baseman Nick Johnson.

Johnson spent last season with the New York Yankees. He could be signed in the next few days, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the sides still have several details to work through.

Johnson played in only 24 games last season, and has appeared in more than 100 only four times over the past eight seasons. He missed the entire 2007 season with a broken leg.

Carrasco pitches Indians past Dodgers 2-1

Carlos Carrasco pitched two scoreless innings and combined with four relievers on a two-hitter, leading Cleveland to a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley worked three scoreless innings. He nearly gave up a run, but the Dodgers threw out Indians catcher Carlos Santana trying to score on an error by left fielder Tony Gwynn Jr. in the first.

Santana was scolded after the play by Acta, who was upset that he slid headfirst. Santana sustained a season-ending knee injury last season while blocking a runner at the plate in Boston.

Indians sign RHP Chad Durbin

Reliever Chad Durbin signed a one-year major league contract with the Indians.

Durbin spent the past three seasons with Philadelphia. He said he drew interest from 22 teams, but decided to return to the Indians because they have at least two openings in their bullpen.