Texas @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Apr 12, 2010 ) Texas 4, Cleveland 2
The fact Cleveland Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore has missed the last two games wouldn’t normally be a big deal, except for the fact that Sizemore missed the last two months last season recovering from elbow and hernia surgeries.
The once-invincible Sizemore, who once had played in 382 consecutive games, is suddenly looking fragile at 27.
The Indians haven’t had much go right lately, so getting Sizemore back in the lineup today against Texas would be a step in the right direction. Sizemore is officially day-to-day with back spasms.
Sizemore would give Cleveland a boost in both offense and morale after the bullpen blew another win in Monday’s home opener against the Rangers.
Fill-in closer Chris Perez, whose hold on the job becomes more tenuous by the day, loaded the bases without retiring a batter before manager Manny Acta quickly lost patience and yanked him.
Cleveland’s bullpen remains in flux until Kerry Wood can return to the closer’s role. Wood, who has a strained muscle in his back, has begun a throwing program but isn’t expected back for at least another few weeks.
Even when he does return, his stay in Cleveland might be brief. Unless the Indians can find a way to remain in contention, Wood and his $11 million salary will likely be dealt by the trading deadline.
That makes it imperative the Indians straighten out Chris Perez, lefty Rafael Perez and the rest of their relievers – and quickly. Jamey Wright was the goat on Monday, serving up Nelson Cruz’s two-run homer in the 10th inning.
Despite being surrounded by hitters like Vladimir Guerrero, Josh Hamilton, Michael Young and Chris Davis, Cruz has carried the Rangers offense thus far.
He has hit five home runs in seven games after belting a career-high 33 last season. Cruz, who turns 30 in July, is a late bloomer who is taking advantage of his opportunity in Texas.
Cruz never had more than 307 plate appearance in a season until last year, when he set career highs in every offensive category and even stole 20 bases. He is quickly proving last year wasn’t a fluke.
Batting fifth in the order, Cruz provides protection for Guerrero, who is a prime candidate for a comeback season.
Bad knees limited Guerrero to 15 homers and 50 RBIs last season, his career lows since becoming a full-time player with Montreal in 1998. Guerrero, like Cruz and the rest of the Rangers lineup, is off to a great start with 13 hits (one homer) in 28 at-bats.