Sizemore looks good as Tribe fall

Sizemore looks good as Tribe fall

Published Mar. 27, 2011 1:19 a.m. ET


GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP)
-- Grady Sizemore looked like his old self, diving for a ball, bumping into the outfield fence and hustling for an extra-base hit.

The three-time All-Star played five innings of the Cleveland Indians' 8-5 loss to a San Francisco Giants split squad on Saturday night in his toughest test since having microfracture surgery on his left knee in June.

"I got a lot more action and it was a good test," Sizemore said. "I feel fine."

Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong worked 4 2-3 innings in a different type of impressive comeback. The right-hander is vying for a roster spot after pitching three years in Japan and another in the minors.

Vogelsong has already traveled a long road. Sizemore's journey likely will include some additional time in extended spring training.

Indians manager Manny Acta said there's no timetable on when Sizemore might be activated. Acta said the outfielder needs plenty more at-bats to get ready. When he does join the team, Acta said the 28-year-old will not be the ironman who played in all but nine games over four seasons from 2005-08.

"He won't be an everyday player for a while," Acta said. "He has no restrictions and is progressing, but it's natural to need some time off."

Sizemore raced back on a wind-aided drive by Eli Whiteside that went over his head in center for a triple, bumping into the wall before recovering the ball.

"It was a ball I should have had," Sizemore said, "but I always say that. It kept carrying."

The two-time Gold Glove winner said he didn't think twice about diving for a bloop that landed just beyond his outstretched glove for a single, nor about racing to second and sliding in with a double.

"It's easier to run and dive and go full speed and slide than to pull up," he said. "Everything went well."

He was surprised when Chad Huffman pinch-ran for him after he had legged out the double.

"I didn't question it, though," Sizemore said. "I know what (Acta) was thinking."

Vogelsong gave up a two-run homer to Shin-Soo Choo and a solo shot to Carlos Santana, but struck out five and was encouraged overall.

"I'm excited, not just because I'm here and have a chance, but because things are starting to click," Vogelsong said. "This was the best stuff I've had all spring."

Vogelsong said that at age 33, he was able to shake off the homers and get back on track.

"It is a concentration factor," he said. "Years ago, I would be in a groove, lose it, and not be able to get back. I kept failing, failing, failing. It got more frustrating.

"It is hard to explain, but towards the end of last year, I began feeling more comfortable. That's why I went and pitched winter ball and it continued. I feel better each time out."

Vogelsong doesn't know if there's room on the Giants' roster for him, but said he won't worry about it.

"I'm happy that I'm throwing well, giving it my best shot," he said. "Things have a way of working out."

Indians starter Josh Tomlin, named to the rotation on Friday, gave up eight hits and five runs over five innings, including two-run homers by Brandon Belt and Roger Kieschnick.

NOTES: RHPs Jess Todd, Justin Germano and Frank Herrmann, competing for a spot in Cleveland's bullpen, each worked one scoreless inning. ... Giants RHP Jeff Suppan got a four-inning save, allowing two runs. ... Belt, Kieschnick and four other Giants all had two hits.

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