NOTEBOOK | From Jacobs Field
Betancourt activated: Right-hander Rafael Betancourt was activated from the 15-day disabled list Sunday and left-hander Cliff Bartosh was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Betancourt has been sidelined since June 26 with arm fatigue and a sore right biceps. He was the Indians' closer in late April and early May before being returned to a setup role. Betancourt has a 3-4 record and 4.50 ERA in 35 appearances this season. Bartosh has no decisions and a 7.45 ERA in 21 relief appearances in two stints with the Indians this season. In 13 relief appearances with Buffalo, he was 0-1 with one save and a 3.12 ERA.
Sabathia a closer? C.C. Sabathia has visions of turning into Eric Gagne. The Indians' ace said he wouldn't mind seeing what it is like to be a closer like the Los Angeles Dodgers' right-hander -- for one night at least. That could be the case Tuesday night in Houston when Sabathia will represent Cleveland in his second All-Star game. "Hey, I could be the left-handed specialist," he said. "I can come in and face Barry Bonds and get out of a jam. How sweet would that be?" Sabathia has never pitched in relief. He made 48 starts in the minor leagues and has started 113 games in the majors. "Just getting into the game would be fun," said Sabathia, who was chosen for the 2003 game, but did not pitch.
Supreme confidence: Right-hander David Riske believes the bullpen's woes are over. "We're going to go out and have an awesome second half so that nobody can talk about us any more," Riske said. "I've been pitching well and that leads to more confidence," said Riske, who has two straight saves after blowing six of his first eight chances this season.
Associated Press