Indians Today, April 24, 2006

Looking like world beaters a week ago, the Indians are stumbling into the last week of April after two disastrous series against Baltimore and Kansas City and a series of devastating injuries to their bullpen.  The Indians have a much needed day off on Monday.  “We can use it,” manager Eric Wedge said.

Matt Miller’s 2006 season is over after scheduling surgery to repair the injured flexor tendon in his right elbow.  Miller will join fellow relievers Fernando Cabrera and Rafael Betancourt on the disabled list.  The Indians ticketed Betancourt for the D.L. on Friday due to a strained right latissuimus dorsi muscle.  Re-lats?  Don’t do it. 

With both Matt Miller and Rafael Betancourt on the disabled list, Jeremy Guthie was recalled to the big leagues after posting a 1.50 ERA in four starts. “I feel comfortable and confident,” said Guthrie. “I feel consistent with everything, and that builds confidence.” Other things that build confidence?  Drilling utility infielder Esteban German with a pitch and getting tossed from the game.  That bit of confidence building allowed Brian Slocum to make his Major League debut on Saturday.  Subsequently, Slocum hit Doug Mientkiewicz in the head with a pitch.  Eric Wedge was hopping mad over the ejections. 

Recovering from an abdominal strain, C. C. Sabathia threw a four-inning, 67-pitch simulated game on Saturday.  He is likely to begin his rehab appearance next Thursday in Buffalo.

Jason Johnson doesn’t like the mound at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium.  “That thing is like a slab of concrete. It’s as hard as a rock. It doesn’t give at all. When your landing foot hits, it just stops,” described Johnson.  “This is the big leagues. You’ve got to have a grounds crew go out and do the job. . . . Somebody is going to get hurt. “

Don’t look now but Brandon Phillips, who was cut by the Indians after Spring Training this year, is hitting .372 with 3 homers and 5 doubles in 43 at bats for the Reds thus far.