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. The manager said Sizemore would not play 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.

Reds (11-8-1) 5, Indians (7-9-2) 1

Hits

• Indians starter Fausto Carmona looked in midseason form in his fifth exhibition start. The right-hander allowed two runs on six hits, while striking out five over six innings.
• Travis Hafner reached base three times in four trips to the plate. He had a single and walked twice.
• Shin-Soo Choo reached base in two of his three trips to the plate with a single and a walk. He also stole a base.
• Lou Marson drove in his team’s only run in his only at-bat with a base hit off Reds flamethrower Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning.

Misses

• Austin Kearns went 0-3 with two strikeouts.
• Minor leaguer Joe Martinez allowed two runs on three hits in just an inning of work.

Notes

• Manager’s moment: “It was another good outing for Fausto,” Acta said. “I think he has proven over the last two (outings) that he’s just about ready to go. He went six innings easy.”
• Going green: The Reds and Indians played with green bases in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Cincinnati wore green hats, while Cleveland stuck with its traditional colors.
• Attendance: 5,181 at Goodyear Ballpark