The Cleveland Indians have named Cliff Lee the #5 starter in the pitching rotation.  Lee didn’t have the best spring training but outpitched Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers.

After Lee was named the 5th starter, Laffey and Sowers were told they will begin the season in Triple-A.

Lee will have to prove that he can hold down the #5 spot all season long.  If he struggles in his three or four games, I can see the Indians making a movie and bringing up Laffey or Sowers to replace him.

Indians Blog

Two pitchers have been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo by the Cleveland Indians.  Brian Slocum and Tony Sipp who are actually both injured right now have been sent down to Triple-A.

Slocum was high on the Indians radar before missing most of last season, and suffering a groin strain a few days ago.  He will more then likely start out of the bullpen in Buffalo.

Sipp is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to be back around mid-season.

Indians Blog

The season opener is getting closer and closer for the Cleveland Indians and they are trimming down their spring training roster and sending a lot of the younger players to various minor league locations.  On Monday, the Indians sent five players to the minor leagues and they include:

Adam Miller and Reid Santos to Triple-A Buffalo.

Michael Aubrey and Scott Lewis to Double-A Akron.

Chuck Lofgren was reassigned to minor league camp as well.

Indians Blog