Sunday, June 17, 2007
Rotation change: A change is on its way in the Indians’ pitching rotation. Right-hander Jake Westbrook, who hasn’t pitched since May 2 because of a pulled abdominal muscle, will make what likely will be his last minor league rehabilitation assignment start Monday for Triple-A Buffalo. “Unless something unforeseen happens, that will be his last one,” manager Eric Wedge said. Westbrook, who has made three rehab starts, will throw about 85 pitches Monday. If he doesn’t have any problems, he will be activated and will likely start for the Indians next weekend in Washington. The Indians will have a decision to make when Westbrook, who is 1-2 with a 7.90 ERA in six starts, returns. Left-hander Jason Stanford has his spot in the rotation. Stanford held Florida to one run in six innings in his first start of the season Thursday, the day he was called up from Buffalo. However, he’s out of minor league options and the Indians can’t send him down without putting him on waivers. It’s likely that Stanford, who seems to have recovered from Tommy John surgery in 2005, would be claimed by another team.
Associated Press