Sabathia expects to start Tribe opener
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- Cleveland Indians ace C.C. Sabathia expects to be ready for opening day despite a bruised left forearm.
"I'm pitching Monday," Sabathia said. "The swelling has gone down. I feel pretty good. I'm pretty excited."
Sabathia was hit by a line drive off the bat of Toronto's Reed Johnson on his second pitch Wednesday. Indians manager Eric Wedge said he wants to see how Sabathia's bullpen session goes Friday before committing.
"As long as he feels OK, we should be in good shape," Wedge said Thursday. "All indications are good, but you never know about the body."
X-rays didn't show any breaks. Sabathia kept ice on the area through most of the evening, and the swelling began to subside.
"I'm pretty sure I'll be able to throw all my pitches," Sabathia said. "I'm right there."
Wedge said Jake Westbrook, slated as Cleveland's No. 2 starter, would start against the White Sox if Sabathia is unable to pitch.
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