Spring training

Spring training

Indians/Pirates

Indians 5, Rockies 4

GOODYEAR, ARIZ.

Mitch Talbot has won a spot in Cleveland’s rotation. Manager Manny Acta announced his decision following the Indians’ win over Colorado. Jake Westbrook, slated to start for Cleveland on opening day, walked five over four-plus innings and Chris Perez, filling in for injured closer Kerry Wood, issued a four-pitch walk in the ninth before striking out the side for the save. “Talbot is in the rotation and Aaron Laffey will be part of our bullpen,” Acta said. “With Kerry not here, we needed somebody else with bullpen experience. David Huff and Carlos Carrasco are battling for the final rotation spot.” Wood is out six to eight weeks with a muscle strain beneath his right shoulder. Jeff Francis worked 41‚Ñ3 innings for Colorado, yielding four runs and four hits. The left-hander missed all of 2009 rehabbing from shoulder surgery.

Astros 6, Pirates 4

KISSIMMEE, FLA.

The injuries are piling up for the Houston Astros at the wrong time. Staff ace Roy Oswalt was removed after four innings of work due to a slight left hamstring strain, but the Astros got a walk-off, two-run home run from Chris Johnson in the bottom of the ninth. The Astros rallied from a 2-0 deficit with a four-run eighth inning, but the Pirates tied it in the top of the ninth with two runs. Chris Shelton doubled with two outs and Johnson followed with a towering shot over the center field wall off reliever Jeremy Powell to win it in the bottom half. Oswalt would be the fourth everyday player the Astros have had go down in the last few weeks. First baseman Lance Berkman (knee surgery), outfielder Michael Bourn (oblique strain) and shortstop Tommy Manzella (strained quadriceps) are all dealing with injuries as well. Houston general manager Ed Wade said the team will send Oswalt back to Houston to be examined by team physician, Dr. David Lintner. Wade said Oswalt first experienced pain on the same side after his start against the New York Mets on Sunday was rained out. Oswalt pitched an inning when the rain forced him back to the batting cages. A few pitches into the bullpen session he felt some discomfort and shut himself down.

Associated Press