Just when you thought it wasn’t safe for the Indians to go back on the field, they prove you wrong again.

The Indians have slipped a number of times since getting off to the outrageously successful start that cushioned the blow from injuries and shoddy play for the majority of the month of June.

But they haven’t fallen yet, still leading the Central Division by a half game over Detroit through Friday — their latest escape act coming after being swept in the first series of nine interleague road games.

With pretty much everything working against them, a hot Tigers team led by former Indians Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta and a slumping offense without an injured Shin-Soo Choo and unavailable designated hitter Travis Hafner, the Indians took two of three from the Diamondbacks.

They followed that up by winning the series opener in Cincinnati on Friday.

Much of the thanks for staying afloat goes to a top-shelf bullpen and three of four pitchers out of the rotation — Carlos Carrasco, Josh Tomlin and Justin Masterson — a trio that has given the Indians more than a chance to win every fifth day.

Still, give the Indians some credit for the resiliency they have shown as a team. Everyone is waiting to write them off, but they’re still on the page nearly halfway through the season.

Mission accomplished

If manager Manny Acta’s intention was to light a fire under veteran Orlando Cabrera when rookie Cord Phelps was promoted to platoon with him at second base, it has worked.

Cabrera, who justifiably griped to reporters when the move was made, has turned it on at the plate, entering Saturday batting .309 (17-for-55) with two home runs, four doubles and six RBIs in 16 games since the Phelps promotion.

Looks like a guy trying to prove someone wrong — Acta and general manager Chris Antonetti — for sitting a 14-year veteran with a lifetime .273 batting average and two Gold Gloves.

If Cabrera keeps this up, he’s going to get his starting spot back at second, while Phelps either stays on the bench or heads back to Triple-A Columbus in favor of another prospect in Jason Kipnis.

You’re outta here

OK, we’ve seen more than enough of Austin Kearns, haven’t we? I get that he’s a veteran and has hit on the big league level before and Acta likes him cause he played for him in Washington … blah, blah blah.

Fact is, when Kearns has produced, it’s been in a regular role, which isn’t available now or later with the Indians. He has agonizingly proven he can’t handle a part time gig — .192 (10-for-99), NO homers and TWO RBIs in 34 games through Friday.

At this point, Tomlin, who had two during a recent interleague road start, has a better chance of getting a hit than Kearns.

With Choo on the disabled list for what could be the rest of the season, the Indians have only minor league players to replace Kearns — ones they want in the lineup on a regular basis that won’t get that luxury on the big league level.

But even a mid-level prospect seems like a better option than Kearns, who isn’t a great fielder and has given the Indians close to nothing at the plate.

The Chiz Kid

Cleveland’s top prospect, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, has made positive first impression, 4-for-12 with two doubles and an RBI, while displaying a rocket arm in the field through three debut games.

Not trying to being negative here, but let’s give this some time before declaring Chisenhall the savior of the Indians’ sagging offense. Remember, this was Chisenhall’s first year at the Triple-A level and he wasn’t on pace to break any records with the Clippers in 65 games this season — .265, 7 HR, 44 RBIs.

Yes, he’s certainly a better option at third base than Jack Hannahan, who has continued to give the Indians solid defensive work, but seen his batting average sink to a measly .215 through Friday.

Whether Chisenhall is the second coming, remains to be seen.

Power poll

1. Philadelphia Phillies: This team is clearly the class of the National League, and probably the majors.
2. New York Yankees: With production from plenty, the Bronx Bombers are back on top in the AL East, sporting the league’s best record.
3. Boston Red Sox: Despite their second-place standing, the Sox still look like the AL’s most complete team.
4. San Francisco Giants: One of the majors’ best rotations has kept the defending world champs on top of the NL West in the wake of key injuries.
5. Atlanta Braves: Though the Bravos will likely need to take the wild-card path to the postseason, they might be the NL’s second-best club.

Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Fan him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

CINCINNATI – Three innings, three Cleveland homers. Justin Masterson had waited a long time for something like that to happen.

Savor it? Absolutely.

Grady Sizemore hit the first of Cleveland’s three homers off Bronson Arroyo, and the Indians remained perfect against their intrastate rival, beating the Cincinnati Reds 8-2 on Friday night.

Cleveland is 4-0 against Cincinnati, which has struggled mightily against the American League.

The defending NL Central champs are 5-11 in interleague play and have lost their season series to Cleveland for the first time since 2005.

“We took the series, and hopefully we can take a few more games,” Masterson said.

Masterson (6-6) went eight innings for his first win since April 26. He allowed four hits, including the first of Brandon Phillips’ two solo homers.

The long drought was mainly a function of Cleveland’s offense. The Indians scored only 22 runs in his last 11 starts and were shut out twice.

“He understood,” manager Manny Acta said. “The pitching coach and myself let him know he was pitching great, but it’s a team effort and he can’t control what we did offensively.”

Sizemore hit his first homer since June 8 to start the early rally. Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana also connected, giving Masterson room to maneuver for a change.

“He’s been great all year,” Sizemore said. “The biggest thing has been the offense scoring runs for him.”

The Indians swept Cincinnati in Cleveland from May 20-22, when they were at the peak of their startlingly strong start. That sweep pushed their AL Central lead to a season-high seven games. It’s been a struggle since.

Following their 30-15 start, the Indians dropped 22 of their next 34, a swoon that knocked them out of first place. With Detroit’s loss Friday to the Giants, the Indians moved back into first by a half game.

The Reds? They have stagnated within a few games of .500 since that sweep in Cleveland, unable to put together a winning streak or measure up against the AL.

They got manhandled again.

Sizemore’s eighth homer got the Indians going in the second inning. He later added an RBI double off Arroyo (7-7), who gave up eight runs in 4 2/3 innings. The right-hander has allowed seven homers in his last two starts and 24 homers overall, most in the NL.

“It’s been a strange year for me as far as feeling up and down on the mound,” Arroyo said.

Arroyo seemed to have an advantage going in: Shin-Soo Choo was out of Cleveland’s lineup with a broken left thumb. Choo hit four homers off Arroyo last season – the most by any batter off the same pitcher in the majors.

And, with no designated hitter available, the Indians’ lineup also was missing Travis Hafner.

No matter. The Indians pounced on his misplaced pitches just the same.

Arroyo gave up four homers – tying his career high – in a 10-5 victory in Baltimore on Saturday. The Indians kept the trend going, giving Masterson a chance to get that long-awaited win.

“The way it’s been going lately on my part, I’m pretty happy with,” Masterson said. “You can’t let the score dictate how you pitch, but it’s nice to see those runs on the board.”

Sizemore hit a down-the-middle, two-strike pitch for a solo homer. Cabrera added a two-run shot in the third, and Santana homered two pitches later for a 4-0 lead.

By contrast, Masterson has been adept at keeping the ball down and in the park. Phillips led off the fourth with only the fourth homer allowed by the right-hander this season – the first by a right-handed batter. It ended his streak of 36 1/3 innings without giving up a homer.

Notable

The Indians put closer Chris Perez on the bereavement list for the start of their series against Cincinnati. Perez went to Florida following the death of his grandmother. He’s 19 of 20 in save opportunities, having converted his last 13. The Indians expect him back for the final game of the series on Sunday. The Indians called up right-hander Josh Judy from Triple-A Columbus. Judy was 2-2 with 12 saves and a 3.30 ERA in 27 appearances for Columbus. He was with the Indians from May 21-25 and made his debut against the Reds, pitching one scoreless inning before being sent back to the minors.

• The Reds had their eighth sellout of the season.

CINCINNATI — Three innings, three Cleveland homers. Justin Masterson had waited a long time for something like that to happen.

Savor it? Absolutely.

Grady Sizemore hit the first of Cleveland’s three homers off Bronson Arroyo, and the Indians remained perfect against their intrastate rival, beating the Cincinnati Reds 8-2 on Friday night.

Cleveland is 4-0 against Cincinnati, which has struggled mightily against the American League.

The defending NL Central champs are

5-11 in interleague play and have lost their season series to Cleveland for the first time since 2005.

“We took the series, and hopefully we can take a few more games,” Masterson said.

Masterson (6-6) went eight innings for his first win since April 26. He allowed four hits, including the first of Brandon Phillips’ two solo homers.

The long drought was mainly a function of Cleveland’s offense. The Indians scored only 22 runs in his last 11 starts and were shut out twice.

“He understood,” manager Manny Acta said. “The pitching coach and myself let him know he was pitching great, but it’s a team effort and he can’t control what we did offensively.”

Sizemore hit his first homer since June 8 to start the early rally. Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana also connected, giving Masterson room to maneuver for a change.

“He’s been great all year,” Sizemore said. “The biggest thing has been the offense scoring runs for him.”

The Indians swept Cincinnati in Cleveland from May 20-22, when they were at the peak of their startlingly strong start. That sweep pushed their AL Central lead to a season-high seven games. It’s been a struggle since.

Following their 30-15 start, the Indians dropped 22 of their next 34, a swoon that knocked them out of first place. With Detroit’s loss Friday to the Giants, the Indians moved back into first by a half game.

The Reds? They have stagnated within a few games of .500 since that sweep in Cleveland, unable to put together a winning streak or measure up against the AL.

They got manhandled again.

Sizemore’s eighth homer got the Indians going in the second inning. He later added an RBI double off Arroyo (7-7), who gave up eight runs in 4 2/3 innings. The right-hander has allowed seven homers in his last two starts and 24 homers overall, most in the NL.

“It’s been a strange year for me as far as feeling up and down on the mound,” Arroyo said.

Arroyo seemed to have an advantage going in: Shin-Soo Choo was out of Cleveland’s lineup with a broken left thumb. Choo hit four homers off Arroyo last season — the most by any batter off the same pitcher in the majors.

And, with no designated hitter available, the Indians’ lineup also was missing Travis Hafner.

No matter. The Indians pounced on his misplaced pitches just the same.

Arroyo gave up four homers — tying his career high — in a 10-5 victory in Baltimore on Saturday. The Indians kept the trend going, giving Masterson a chance to get that long-awaited win.

“The way it’s been going lately on my part, I’m pretty happy with,” Masterson said. “You can’t let the score dictate how you pitch, but it’s nice to see those runs on the board.”

Sizemore hit a down-the-middle, two-strike pitch for a solo homer. Cabrera added a two-run shot in the third, and Santana homered two pitches later for a 4-0 lead.

By contrast, Masterson has been adept at keeping the ball down and in the park. Phillips led off the fourth with only the fourth homer allowed by the right-hander this season — the first by a right-handed batter. It ended his streak of 36 1/3 innings without giving up a homer.

Notable

The Cleveland Indians put closer Chris Perez on the bereavement list for the start of their weekend series against intrastate rival Cincinnati.

Perez went to Florida following the death of his grandmother. He’s 19 of 20 in save opportunities, having converted his last 13. The Indians expect him back for the final game of the series on Sunday.

The Indians called up right-hander Josh Judy from Triple-A Columbus. Judy was 2-2 with 12 saves and a 3.30 ERA in 27 appearances for Columbus.

He was with the Indians from May 21-25 and made his debut against the Reds, pitching one scoreless inning before being sent back to the minors.

• The Reds had their eighth sellout of the season.

• Cleveland leads the intrastate series 38-35.

• The Indians are 10-6 in interleague play.

• Travis Buck left with a tight left hamstring after running out his two-run single in the fifth.

• Masterson singled in his first at-bat, his second career hit.

• It was Phillips’ seventh career multihomer game.

TODAY

• WHO: Cleveland at Cincinnati
• TIME: 4:10
• WHERE: Great American Ball Park
• PITCHERS: Carmona (4-10, 5.89 ERA) vs. Bailey (3-2, 3.86)
• TV/RADIO: Channel 8; WEOL 930-AM, WTAM 1100-AM

PHOENIX – Chalk up another gem for Cleveland’s young Carlos Carrasco.

The 24-year-old right-hander gave up solo homers to Justin Upton and Stephen Drew, but otherwise stifled Arizona through seven innings in the Indians’ 6-2 win Wednesday as Cleveland took two of three in the interleague series.

The win, coupled with Detroit’s 16-9 loss to the Mets, put the Indians back in first place in the AL Central Division by a percentage point.

“Unbelievable,” Indians teammate Orlando Cabrera said. “Carlos, he’s been incredible the last five, six starts. When we need him, he’s just been incredible for us.”

Carrasco (8-4) gave up four hits, striking out seven with no walks, though he did hit two batters. He has allowed a combined four earned runs while going 4-1 in his last five starts, a span of 362⁄3 innings.

Manager Manny Acta said that since Carrasco came off the disabled list (right elbow inflammation) May 11, he’s been more willing to use all four of his pitches rather than just his fastball and changeup.

The young Venezuelan agreed.

“I mix up everything,” he said.

Cabrera, who delivered the deciding home run in the series opener, had a season-high four hits. He doubled, scored twice and drove in a run as the Indians won for just the third time in nine games.

Asdrubal Cabrera added three hits, including a double and an RBI single. The Indians could have made it much worse – they outhit the Diamondbacks 15-4 but stranded a season-high 15 runners.

The series victory came after the Indians scored just four runs while being swept in three games in San Francisco.

“I thought it was a very good bounce-back after yesterday (a 6-4 loss) and after the series in San Francisco,” Acta said. “Our pitching continues to be good. Carrasco was outstanding.”

The Diamondbacks play their next 10 on the road leading up to the All-Star game, to be played in Phoenix on July 12.

Carrasco held the Diamondbacks hitless until Upton’s 13th home run of the season, with one out in the fourth, cut the lead to 4-1. Drew’s homer, leading off the sixth, landed in the Cleveland bullpen down the right-field line to make it 4-2.

The Indians scored four times on eight hits off Zach Duke (1-3) in the first three innings. Asdrubal Cabrera, Carlos Santana and Michael Brantley each had RBI singles in the early flurry.

The fourth run scored on Jack Hannahan’s groundout when first baseman Juan Miranda’s throw to second for what could have been a double play hit the runner.

Consecutive singles by the Cabreras and Santana made it 1-0 in the first, then two-out RBI singles by Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera put Cleveland up 3-0 in the second.

The Indians scored off newly arrived reliever Yhency Brazoban in the eighth when Orlando Cabrera doubled and Travis Buck singled with two outs.

Cleveland made it 6-2 in the ninth off David Hernandez when Orlando Cabrera singled home Lou Marson from second, the runner barely avoiding Miguel Montero’s tag on the throw from strong-armed Gerardo Parra in left.

“I don’t think we played very good today,” Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said. “Yeah, he (Duke) gave up nine hits in five innings but we all feel like we could have played better today. Their guy threw the ball very well. They had 15 hits and left 15 on base. They pressured us very well, they outplayed us and they beat us.”

Duke has allowed 20 runs in his last four starts, none of them longer than five innings.

“You want to see better results and for him you worry about his confidence,” Gibson said. “I talked to him a little after he came out of the game. I thought he actually threw the ball better. I didn’t feel like we were particularly sharp.”

Notable

Gibson said after the game that the team would release third baseman Melvin Mora today. The corresponding move would be made Friday, he said.

• Struggling Arizona closer J.J. Putz is expected to get some time off with what general manager Kevin Towers believes is a “dead arm.”

• Entering the game, right-handers were hitting .393 against Duke this season, lefties .115.

• Carrasco had given up four homers all season entering the game.

• This marked the eighth time Upton and brother B.J., who plays for Tampa Bay, homered on the same day.

• Arizona topped 1 million for home attendance this season.

• Miranda is hitless in his last 30 at-bats at Chase Field.

• Cleveland plays a three-game series weekend in Cincinnati to end a nine-game road trip.

NEXT UP

• WHO: Cleveland at Cincinnati
• WHEN: Friday, 7:10 p.m.
• WHERE: Great American Ball Park
• PITCHERS: Masterson (5-6, 2.98 ERA) vs. Arroyo (7-6, 5.01)
• TV/RADIO: SportsTime Ohio; WEOL 930-AM, WTAM 1100-AM

NEW YORK – Turns out Wild Thing’s fastball had a little extra juice.

Actor Charlie Sheen tells Sports Illustrated in its latest issue that he took steroids “for like six or eight weeks” while filming the 1989 movie “Major League.” He adds that the performance-enhancing drugs helped his fastball go from 79 mph to 85 mph.

Sheen played fireballing relief pitcher Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn, whose wayward pitches were often “jussst a bit outside,” as Bob Uecker’s character, radio broadcaster Harry Doyle, sarcastically announced during the hit comedy.

Sheen, who has made recent headlines for erratic behavior and his firing from the show “Two and a Half Men,” says it was the only time he took steroids and they made him a bit more irritable than normal.