Chris Assenheimer
The Chronicle-Telegram
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Right-hander Carlos Carrasco returned to the mound Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits in three innings of a 9-2 loss to the split-squad Padres at Goodyear Ballpark.
Carrasco, who is slated to begin the season as Cleveland’s fourth starter, made one exhibition appearance, but his second was delayed when he left the team for the birth of his daughter Camilia on Friday in Clearwater, Fla.
Both of Carrasco’s runs came on back-to-back home runs from Aaron Cunningham and Anthony Rizzo in the second inning. He struck out three and didn’t walk a batter.
“Carrasco threw some good breaking balls,” said Indians manager Manny Acta. “He gave up the two solo home runs, but overall, I was happy with his performance.”
Saying good-bye
Indians fans will get an opportunity to celebrate the legendary life of Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller during a public memorial service, March 31 (11 a.m.), at Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights.
Feller died Dec. 10 at the age of 92.
To honor his memory, the Indians will wear a patch of Feller’s No. 19 on their uniforms this season.
Donald’s day
Acta said third baseman Jason Donald (bruised hand) would return to the lineup today.
Donald said he had a positive batting practice session Wednesday and is ready to play. He has been sidelined since being hit by a pitch Saturday against the White Sox.
Bring it on
With a little over three weeks until opening day, closer Chris Perez appears ready to start the season.
Perez tweeted “23 days until opening day and the arm, mind, and rage are ready.”
Perez, 25, will enter the season as a closer for the first time in his career after ranking second among American League relievers last year with a 1.71 ERA in 63 appearances.
Spring flings
Entering Wednesday, the Indians led the AL with an on-base percentage of .386 and a total of 58 walks. … Cleveland ranked fourth in the AL with a team batting average of .291. … Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall led the league with a .550 batting average, 11 hits and a .609 on-base percentage and ranked second in slugging percentage (1.050) and total bases (21). … Outfielder Ezequiel Carrera ranked second with seven RBIs. … Indians pitchers, who allowed 32 runs over their last two exhibition games, ranked 14th in the AL with a 5.66 ERA.
Roundin’ third
Acta said the Indians’ first round of cuts would come between Saturday-Monday. … Today, 3:05, vs. Cubs (no television or radio) at Mesa’s Hohokam Park. Justin Masterson (0-1, 5.40 ERA) starts for the Indians against RHP Randy Wells (1-0, 0.00).
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.
