The Cleveland Indians finished the spring season 7-22, good enough for last place in the Cactus League standings.
Not only have the Indians been playing poorly, they have suffered setbacks and injuries that will impact the team negatively. Roberto Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, is stuck in the Dominican Republic with visa issues stemming from using a false identity.
Grady Sizemore is out for the first two to three months of the season after undergoing major back surgery. Justin Masterson struggled in his five spring starts, registering an ERA of 9.00. Ubaldo Jimenez also pitched poorly in Cactus League play, adding insult to injury when he earned a five-game suspension for intentionally throwing at former teammate Troy Tulowitzki.
The pitching of steady veteran Derek Lowe (0-1, 3.50 ERA, 18 IP) and youngster Jeanmar Gomez (1-1, 1.37 ERA, 19.1 IP), who was named the fifth starter in the Indians pitching rotation, has been a bright spot.
Cleveland hosts the Toronto Blue Jays Thursday on Opening Day. Justin Masterson will start for the Indians.
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