House earns rotation spot for Indians

Associated Press

GOODYEAR, ARIZ.

Tyler Flowers and George Kottaras had key doubles in Chicago’s three-run fourth inning, spoiling T.J. House’s day after he was told he earned a spot in Cleveland’s rotation as the White Sox beat the Indians 4-1 on Sunday.

Flowers doubled to score Gordon Beckham and he later scored along with J.B. Schuck on a long double by Kottaras to give Chicago a 3-1 lead.

House, who will start on April 12 against Detroit, allowed four runs and six hits in six innings. The left-hander has had one bad inning spoil each of his last three starts, but pitched well enough to convince the Indians he belongs in the rotation.

“It is glaring that one inning,” House said. “It is kind of getting to me. I want to get it out of the way out here, rather than the season. I was a little bit up that inning.”

Francona liked the way House handled the good news.

“His stuff was good,” Francona said. “That one inning where he gave up three instead of one or two. He is aware of it and we love that. We talked about limiting runs. He’s learning as he goes. When he starts pitching to a game plan we can work with him. Here, [in spring] you want to see how a guy reacts.”

The Indians scored an unearned run off White Sox starter Scott Carroll in the first inning. Jason Kipnis walked and Michael Brantley, returning after he sat out with a sore back, singled. Beckham’s wild throw on an attempted double play allowed Kipnis to score.

Carroll allowed just two hits in three innings.

Michah Johnson had two hits for the White Sox and had a stolen base taken away when Beckham interfered with Roberto Lopez’s throw.

TRAINERS ROOM

White Sox: LHP Chris Sale will start the season on the disabled list with an evulsion fracture in his right foot. Sale will throw a bullpen session on Monday. He will pitch simulated games on April 1 and 5.

Indians: Nick Swisher is testing his bi-lateral knee surgery by getting at-bats in minor league games. ... RHP Carlos Carrasco is not in camp. He and his wife are expecting the birth of a child. ... Michael Brantley returned after sitting out with a sore lower back.

STARTING TIME

House said he was grateful to Francona and pitching coach Mickey Callaway for the spot in the rotation.

“Tito and Mickey showed a lot of confidence in me and I want to reward them,” House said. “It’s great. I don’t have to look over my shoulder anymore. Everybody knows. The later it gets the worse it is, not only for baseball but where you’re going to live. Now I want to just take this and run with it.”