GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Carlos Carrasco already has a new baby daughter. By the end of spring training, he’ll have a new job as well.

For the first time in his professional career, Carrasco, one of the gems from the Cliff Lee trade with the Phillies, will open the season as a full-time member of a starting major league rotation.

After watching an impressive stint from the 24-year-old right-hander in 2010, Cleveland manager Manny Acta is eagerly anticipating Carrasco’s arrival.

“I think Carlos is an exciting guy to watch,” Acta said of the Venezuelan-born pitcher, who went 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA in seven starts for the Indians last year. “I think Carlos has the potential to be one of the finer arms in the American League.

“We expect big things from Carlos this year.”

Thanks to his performance on the big league level and a solid effort at Triple-A Columbus (10-6, 3.65 ERA, 25 starts) last season, Carrasco came to training camp with secured spot in the Cleveland rotation. Unlike the threesome of Josh Tomlin, Jeanmar Gomez and David Huff, Carrasco did not have to win a job.

“As a player, I’m much better than I was last year, and more confident, but I think that’s natural,” said Carrasco, who endured a rough road during his debut season in the big leagues, when he went 0-4 with an 8.87 ERA in five starts in 2009. “You can say I’m more established, but my goal is the same as last year, to get better.”

It’s been an up-and-down exhibition season for Carrasco, who left the team for the birth of his daughter Camilia, following his first appearance of the spring.

In five starts, Carrasco is 0-2 with a 7.56 ERA.

What’s been a bit alarming is his tendency to give up the long ball. Carrasco has allowed a team-high six home runs in 16 2/3 exhibition innings, two apiece in his last two outings. He was the starter in the Indians’ 8-7 win over the Royals on Wednesday at Goodyear Ballpark, allowing six earned runs on nine hits and two walks in just 4 1/3 innings.

Getting taken deep was a problem during his seven-start stint in Cleveland last year as well. He surrendering six homers over 44 2/3 innings.

Acta, however, is focusing on the positives he saw from his pitcher in 2010.

“He pitched brilliant for us last year in six of those seven starts,” he said. “I don’t care how many home runs he gave up. As long as Carlos keeps the ball down, he’s going to be fine.”

Carrasco is also choosing to concentrate on what he believes will be a positive future.

“I feel I am able to be more focused on the job I have to do,” he said. “I’m not worried about the other stuff. Knowing a team believes in you makes a big difference.”

Back out there

Grady Sizemore (microfracture surgery left knee) played in a minor league game at Goodyear, going 1-for-3 with a walk against the White Sox’s Triple-A team.

On his single, Sizemore stretched it into two bases when Chicago’s left fielder bobbled the ball.

“It was a pretty good test for Grady today,” Acta said. “He had to stop and go and he took the extra base without an issue. Those are things you can’t anticipate or practice. That was good to see.”

“I had some good ABs,” Sizemore said. “I still feel a little uncomfortable in there. It’s going to take some time.”

Sizemore is expected to play center field for the second time Saturday against the Giants at Goodyear Ballpark (10:05 p.m.).

If there are no setbacks, Sizemore said he thought he would make his regular season debut before May.
“It all depends on how I feel,” he said.

Acta said there is no timetable for Sizemore’s first big league game.

“I want him back as soon as possible, as long as it meets our medical parameters.”

Opening line

The Indians announced that the April 1 season opener at Progressive Field (3:05 p.m.) against the White Sox is sold out.

During the pregame festivities, a special tribute will honor Indians legend Bob Feller, who passed away Dec. 15, 2010.

The Indians will honor Feller all season long by wearing special patches on all of their game uniforms with his famous leg kick windup and No. 19.

Also, SportsTime Ohio announced that it will broadcast a public memorial service for Feller at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights, March 31, at 11 a.m. STO will replay the broadcast at 6 p.m.

Baseball social

New at Progressive Field this year will be a Social Suite that caters only to social media users, replacing the social media site last year that was located in the bleachers.

The Indians will also offer ticket discounts available only to Facebook and Twitter users.

Team President Mark Shapiro and general manager Chris Antonetti have joined Acta on Twitter.

Roundin’ third

• Acta said he would announce his final starting pitcher today from a field of Josh Tomlin, Jenmar Gomez and David Huff, and the order of the rotation.
• The Indians signed left-hander Jesse English to a minor league contract Thursday. English, a 27-year-old reliever, appeared in seven games for Washington last year (0-0, 3.86 ERA), spending the majority of 2010 at Triple-A Syracuse, where he went 2-1 with a 5.03 ERA in 19 games, before undergoing season-ending surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow.
• The Indians are expected to announce another round of cuts today.
• Today, 4:05 vs. Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park (Maryvale, Ariz.), no television or radio. Mitch Talbot (1-0, 7.94) vs. Chris Narveson (0-0, 6.48).

Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.