Isn't this the way it always goes? After scoring an average of just 2.2 runs per game in their last six games, the Indians scored nine runs Friday night -- and lost by four. A 13-9 loss to Texas featured some uncharacteristically poor pitching by the Indians, beginning with starter Fausto Carmona.
Carmona gave up six runs in two innings, but of more immediate concern to the Indians is an injury suffered by Carmona in the third inning. Carmona strained his left hip while attempting to cover first base on an infield hit. If Carmona, who will have an MRI, has to go on the disabled list, it would be a significant loss to what has been the best starting rotation in the majors this season. Fortunately for the Indians, however, they have the depth to compensate for the loss of Carmona.
With Jake Westbrook due to come off the disabled list next week, the Indians were going to have to make a roster move to clear a spot for Westbrook. One potential move would be optioning left-hander Aaron Laffey to Class AAA Buffalo.
However, Laffey has been outstanding in replacing Westbrook in the rotation. In his five starts while replacing Westbrook, Laffey has a 1.60 ERA.
If Carmona has to go on the disabled list, the Indians could keep Laffey in the rotation, in Carmona's place, even after Westbrook is activated.
RANGERS 13, INDIANS 9: Outfielder Grady Sizemore had a home run and three RBIs and outfielder Ben Francisco had three hits, but it wasn't enough for the Indians to avoid losing their seventh game in a row. Right-hander Fausto Carmona gave up six runs in two innings and had to leave the game in the third with a strained left hip.
