Shapiro concerned, but that’s all

Manager Eric Wedge is unhappy with his team’s performance.

CLEVELAND (AP) — While concerned about the Cleveland Indians’ 5-10 start, it’s too early for general manager Mark Shapiro to contemplate changes.

“After 15 games we’re not going to look at anything and say it necessitates action,” he said Thursday. “It necessitates concern, but not action, from a [roster] standpoint.”

Manager Eric Wedge, increasingly unhappy with his team’s performance, held a meeting with players before Thursday night’s game against Detroit.

“It’s team business,” said Wedge, declining to give details.

Cleveland won the AL Central last year and came within one win of reaching the World Series. The Indians began the day with a 5.21 ERA, the second-highest in the major leagues, and a .232 batting average, the second-lowest.

“What’s surprising is we’re the polar opposite of what made us successful last year,” Shapiro said. “Our pitchers threw strikes and kept the ball in the ballpark, and this year we’re not throwing strikes and we’re not keeping the ball in the ballpark. Our hitters controlled the strike zone and had tough, quality at-bats from the top to the bottom of the lineup. Obviously, we’ve seen some dead spots in our lineup. It’s hard to get by with one dead spot in your lineup, let alone three or four.”

The biggest slide belongs to reigning Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia, who is eligible for free agency after the season. The left-hander, 19-7 last season, is 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA. He has walked 14 and yielded 32 hits in 18 innings.

“I think he’ll figure it out,” Shapiro said. “I’m confident he’s going to be a lot better and lead our staff.”

Joe Borowski, who led the league with 45 saves last season, was placed on the disabled list with strained triceps Tuesday, a day after giving up a decisive ninth-inning home run to Boston’s Manny Ramirez. Borowski also gave up a game-winning grand slam to the Los Angeles Angels’ Torii Hunter.

“We knew he hurt his triceps in spring training,” Shapiro said. “The injury was at the level where you try to work through it. We gave him the opportunity to do that. He never really regained his form.”

Borowski’s velocity dipped to the low 80s in recent outings.

“He thrives by his toughness and his tenacity,” Shapiro said. “His stuff’s always been marginal, so if you take that down a notch, it makes it tough for him to compete.”

Borowski may undergo additional tests on his arm. Shapiro wouldn’t speculate whether the injury is more serious.

“He’s a 36-year-old pitcher,” Shapiro said. “I don’t think there’s anything different, other than the triceps.”

Cleveland had several slumping regulars entering Thursday: Casey Blake (1-for-16), Asdrubal Cabrera (0-for-15), Franklin Gutierrez (5-for-41) and Jhonny Peralta (1-for-18).

Wedge thinks the hitters have given away too many at-bats by swinging early in the count and making quick outs.

“If you make an out, make it a tough out,” he said.

The manager has also been upset about the team’s mental mistakes. Gutierrez was picked off second when he took a lead with his head down Tuesday. Catcher Victor Martinez failed to tag a runner at the plate Wednesday, thinking there was a force play.

“I realize they’re human and those things are going to happen, but they’ve been happening a little too frequently,” Wedge said.