SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Indians’ biggest decision of the spring is expected to be revealed Friday.

Manager Manny Acta said he would announce the winner of the race among right-handers Josh Tomlin and Jeanmar Gomez and left-hander David Huff for the final spot in the rotation.

Acta has already limited the field to two pitchers, but he has not named them. He said once he chooses the final starter, he will also announce the order of the rotation, which will start with ace Fausto Carmona.

The favorite to join Carmona, Justin Masterson, Mitch Talbot and Carlos Carrasco appears to be Tomlin, a 26-year-old right-hander. Tomlin pitched effectively out of Cleveland’s rotation as a rookie during the second half of last season, going 6-4 with a 4.56 ERA in 12 starts.

The soft-spoken Texan has done more quality work in less time on the mound than his counterparts, posting a 1.13 ERA in three exhibition appearances (one start) covering eight innings. Tomlin was the scheduled starter for the rained out game Monday against the Royals.

“It’s nothing new. He’s done here the same thing he did when he came up with us (last year),” Acta said of Tomlin. “He’s throwing strikes, working fast and getting the best of hitters. I think he can be effective up here. He’s got those intangibles.”

Gomez, who also had an effective stint in the second half of his major league debut season last year — 4-5, 4.68 ERA in 11 starts — is 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA in five games (two starts) and 14 innings this spring.

Huff, who was in and out of Cleveland’s rotation last year (2-11, 6.21 ERA in 15 starts) after leading the team with 11 wins as a rookie in 2009, has not pitched well at camp. He is 1-1 with an 8.25 ERA in five games (one start) and 12 innings.

Another test

Grady Sizemore made his exhibition debut Sunday, going 0-for-2 in the Indians’ 5-3 victory over the Diamondbacks at Goodyear Ballpark.

The next step is expected to come today with Sizemore scheduled to play center field for the first time against those same Diamondbacks in Scottsdale.

“He’s feeling pretty good,” Acta said. “It’s a day-to-day thing, but he showed up feeling good today.”

Sizemore is expected to play every other day until the end of the exhibition season. Acta said the three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove award winner would most likely remain at extended spring training before beginning a minor league rehab assignment.

“We don’t have a timetable for that yet,” Acta said.

First option at third?

Though Acta said the decision has not been made yet, it’s pretty clear Jack Hannahan will open the season as the Indians’ starter at third base.

Hannahan has the upper hand defensively over the other two candidates — Luis Valbuena and Jayson Nix — and has been impressive at the plate, batting .368 (14-for-38) with four doubles and four RBIs in 15 games.

“He gives us some sense of comfort that he’s a very good defensive player,” Acta said. “The options that we had weren’t guys that were going to hit in the middle of our lineup and expected to hit 25 (home runs) and drive in 90. I feel pretty good with him out there.”

Wounded Wahoos

Utility infielder candidate Adam Everett underwent an MRI and X-rays on his sprained left thumb Monday.
“We don’t think it’s anything serious,” Acta said. “It’s just to be on the safe side.” Everett sustained the injury while sliding headfirst into second base on an attempted stolen base attempt Saturday.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who left Sunday’s game in the first inning with tightness in his leg, is expected to return to the lineup today.

Reliever Joe Smith played catch Monday and is expected to do the same today, but the right-hander said it is unlikely that he will be ready for the season opener April 1. Smith hasn’t pitched in an exhibition game since March 9.

Roundin’ third

• Today, 4:05 vs. Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Scottsdale). Carmona (3-2, 4.50) vs. Aaron Heilman (0-0, 4.76).
• Monday’s game against the Royals at Surprise Stadium was rained out. There will be no makeup.