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MLB odds: Tribe's Carmona likely back Saturday
By Jordan WaltersWagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
| Sports Betting at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook |
The Cleveland Indians’ season is basically over, but that’s not to say the Tribe won’t have a big say in the playoff race as they face the White Sox, Tigers and Twins plenty down the stretch.
So the news that Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona is returning this week does have some bearing in the big picture even if he doesn’t do much more than help Cleveland avoid the AL Central cellar, where they currently reside.
Assuming his side session in Anaheim goes well Tuesday, Carmona is expected to rejoin the Tribe rotation Saturday against the Twins. It will be the right-hander’s first start since straining his left hip against the Rangers on May 23.
The side session is considered really a formality. Carmona has been pain-free for some time, though manager Eric Wedge always speaks cautiously, just in case.
'We're lining up Fausto for Saturday, though we don't have to make a move until then,' Wedge said.
Carmona, who endured a setback a month ago that extended his time on the 15-day disabled list, made rehab starts at Single-A Lake County and Double-A Akron and reported no problems with the hip. He shouldn't be on an overly restrictive pitch count against the Twins.
"It's something we've definitely been looking forward to," Wedge said. "Obviously, he's a big part of our starting rotation. To have him back should be a big boost for us."
A surprise 19-game winner in 2007, Carmona was struggling a bit with his command before landing on the DL. He was 4-2 with a 3.10 ERA in 10 starts, walking 38 batters and striking out 23 in 58 innings.
Because there is no game on Thursday, Wedge is expected to set his rotation as such: Cliff Lee, Carmona, Jeremy Sowers, Paul Byrd and Aaron Laffey. Sowers has struggled as Carmona's replacement but will keep his spot. Matt Ginter will be the odd man out in the rotation and likely be sent back to Triple-A.
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