GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Grady Sizemore is a few final steps away from making his exhibition debut.
Sizemore, who is working his way back from microfracture surgery on his left knee, is scheduled to run the bases for the third time today in Goodyear. He will attempt to slide for the first time, and if all goes well, will play Sunday.
“We’re going to hold a press conference the day he plays,” joked manager Manny Acta of Sizemore’s much-anticipated debut.
There was speculation that Sizemore would make his first appearance in a minor league game, but Acta said it would come on the big league level against the Diamondbacks at Goodyear Ballpark. The manager said that Sizemore would not play in the field, serving as the designated hitter for two at-bats.
The three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove award winner is still considered a long shot to play in the regular season opener, April 1, against the White Sox at Progressive Field.
On the mend
A strained abdominal muscle continues to sideline reliever Joe Smith, who hasn’t pitched since March 9.
“He’s not ready yet, but he’ll be OK,” Acta said. “He’s a situational guy. He doesn’t need many innings. He’ll get a few outings before spring training is over if he doesn’t have any setbacks.”
Acta expects Smith to appear in two or three exhibition games before camp is complete, enough to prepare the right-hander for the regular season, according to the manager. He has pitched in five games thus far, allowing two runs on three hits, two walks and a hit batter.
Rotation roundup
Acta said the order of his spring training rotation wouldn’t necessarily be the same once the regular season begins.
As of now, Fausto Carmona is the No. 1 starter, followed by right-hander Justin Masterson, right-hander Mitch Talbot, right-hander Carlos Carrasco and one of three candidates for the final spot, right-hander Josh Tomlin, right-hander Jeanmar Gomez and left-hander David Huff.
Carmona’s spot is the only one locked down, with the right-hander already named as Cleveland opening day starter.
Acta said he would set his rotation 10 days prior to the end of training camp, with the fourth and fifth starters remaining in Arizona to take their turns in quality weather before joining the Indians in Cleveland for their outings against the Red Sox, April 5-6.
Back at first
Carlos Santana made his second exhibition appearance at first base in the Indians’ 5-1 loss to the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday. He didn’t have a ball hit to him over six innings.
Santana, who is expected to see sporadic time at first base during the regular season, will play there at least one more time before the exhibition season is complete.
“I think Carlos is going to be fine there,” Acta said. “It’s just going to be the little things, like cut-offs and positioning. I’m not anticipating him struggling with ground balls and plays over there.”
Roundin’ third
Kenny Lofton is back for his second stint as a guest instructor. He will be in camp through Sunday. … The Indians break into split squads for the second time this spring today, taking on the Royals (4:05 p.m.) at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Ariz., and the Rangers (10:05 p.m.) in Goodyear. … Today, 4:05 vs. Royals at Surprise Stadium (no television or radio). Jeanmar Gomez (0-1, 6.30) vs. Kyle Davies (1-1, 7.00). Tonight, 10:05 vs. Rangers at Goodyear Ballpark. Carlos Carrasco (0-2, 5.63) vs. Matt Harrison (2-0, 1.00).
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.
