McAllister gives Tribe decision after good start

Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz.

Carlos Santana hit a two-run homer and a sacrifice fly, leading the Cleveland Indians to an 8-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday.

Santana connected for his third spring homer in the third inning against Chris Bassitt. Lonnie Chisenhall went 3 for 3 and drove in two runs, and Michael Brantley had two hits.

“You don’t want the guys to play every day to start,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “Now that they’re playing two of three, they are in a rhythm. That’s good to see.”

Zach McAllister pitched four solid innings for Cleveland, allowing two hits and an unearned run. He struck out four and walked two.

“Zach comes out of the shoot pretty well. He maintained velocity,” Francona said. “He’s not overthrowing. He prepares so well.”

Bassitt was charged with five runs and seven hits in 41/3 innings, continuing a rough spring. Bassitt gave up three runs in the first inning but pitched out of a jam in the second.

“He’s had some innings when he struggles,” Athletics manager Bob Melvin said. “He is getting under his fastball.”

Pat Venditte, who can pitch with both hands, worked the eighth for Oakland. He pitched left-handed to two batters and right-handed to three. Venditte walked a batter and allowed a hit, but recorded his sixth scoreless outing.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Indians: OF David Murphy has missed three days with a sprained ankle. He hurt it on Friday night on a play at first base against the Angels. ... OF Nick Swisher ran without knee braces in camp on Sunday. The next step will be to get at-bats in minor league games. ... Jason Kipnis has a sore lower back. He will resume on-field activities when the pain goes away. He is expected to make up at-bats in minor league games.

STARTING TIME

Indians: McAllister is trying to win a spot in the rotation. If he doesn’t get a starting job, he likely will be headed for the bullpen.

“I’ve competed,” McAllister said. “I feel I’m in a good spot mechanically. I don’t think about the competition, I just go compete.”

Indians coaches and front office staff are meeting Monday night to try to let players know where they stand.

“We have tough decision to make,” Francona said. “We will try to let them know as quickly as possible but we can’t do it before we know.”

UP NEXT

Indians: LHP T.J. House will oppose Giants RHP Ryan Vogelsong on Tuesday.