David Murphy returns to right field for Wednesday's game against the Padres and will bat seventh. It is Murphy's first action in the field since last Thursday's game against the Cubs. In his past three games played, Murphy has been the designated hitter due to a minor elbow issue. Manager Terry Francona said Murphy could have played through it in the field if it was the regular season, but no sense doing it in spring training.
With the first round of cuts completed and the roster down to 53, Francona told his group today that the competition level begins to ramp up.
"We're going to want to see the best out of everyone. If we have to make tough decisions based on guys playing well that's better than guys getting hurt or two guys not playing well," Francona said.
Francona though was thrilled with the way some of the younger guys who were reassigned performed. Many were in their first major league-camp,
Added Francona: "I think the best way to put it is our group of young players jumped out. We're very fortunate where we have a core group of young guys who are professional. To a kid they were respectful, played hard, listened. Every one of those kids will be better off for it."
INDIANS
Elliot Johnson 2B
Nick Swisher 1B
Asdrubal Cabrera SS
Carlos Santana 3B
Lonnie Chisenhall DH
Yan Gomes C
David Murphy RF
Mike Aviles LF
Nyjer Morgan CF
Pitchers: Corey Kluber, John Asford, Marc Rzepczynski, Josh Outman, C.C. Lee, Frank Herrmann
PADRES
Chris Denorfia RF
Rey Fuentes CF
Tommy Medica LF
Xavier Nady 1B
Alex Dickerson DH
Alex Castellanos 2B
Ryan Jackson SS
Rene Rivera C
Alberto Gonzalez 3B
Pitchers: Tyson Ross, Matt Wisler, Nick Vincent, Dale Thayer, Leonel Campos, Kevin Quackenbush, Anthony Carter
