After going five innings on Sunday, the Indians decided that Justin Masterson needed one more rehab start.
Manager Terry Francona told reporters before Monday's game against the Twins that Masterson would start for Columbus on Friday against Norfolk. In Sunday's start against Indianapolis, the right-hander worked five innings and threw 71 pitches with 47 being strikes. Masterson gave up five hits and two runs with a pair of walks and six strikeouts.
He exited the game with a 5-2 lead but Indianapolis rallied for a 7-5 win. Masterson, who was placed on the disabled list July 8 with right knee inflammation, will join the Indians in Minneapolis and throw a bullpen session before returning to Columbus.
"He wanted to come back and pitch but when he returns to the rotation the disabled list is over. We all felt like one more start will be real beneficial," Francona said.
Josh Tomlin is slated to start Cleveland's game on Friday in Kansas City with the starters for Saturday and Sunday remaining undetermined.
Center fielder Michael Bourn has joined the team in Minnesota as he has resumed throwing and hitting off the tee. Bourn, who remained in Cleveland during the series at Detroit, also started land-based jogging today and will continue with that this week. Bourn was placed on the DL on July 6 with a strained left hamstring and is expected to be out at least two more weeks.
CABRERA EXITS:
Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera left Monday’s game during the second inning due to lower back spasms. Chris Dickerson came into the game in Cabrera’s spot in the order while Mike Aviles moved from center field to short.
“When that ball went to short on the first step it kind of locked up on him and he couldn’t get it unlocked,” manager Terry Francona said after Monday’s 4-3 loss to the Twins. “After we took him out it started to loosen up.”
Francona did add that Cabrera is day to day and a lot more will be known tomorrow morning.
Cabrera, who is in the final year of his contract and has been subject to trade rumors with next week’s deadline approaching, appeared to injure himself while fielding a Chris Parmalee grounder. Cabrera is 2 for 14 since the All-Star Break and is batting .247 on the season.
If Cabrera is out for an extended period, the Indians could call up Jose Ramirez or Justin Sellers. Francisco Lindor was called up to Columbus on Monday night but that move was in the works even before the Cabrera injury.
