The Indians' two biggest weaknesses -- poor hitting and a shaky bullpen -- were both on display Monday night in a 6-3 loss to the White Sox in 12 innings.
The Indians were held scoreless on four hits over the last seven innings of the game and were 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. An extra-inning game means extra work for the bullpen, and the Indians' wasn't up to the task -- Scott Elarton giving up three runs in the top of the 12th.
Elarton's timing was not real good. Right-hander Jake Westbrook is due to come off the disabled list Wednesday. A roster spot will have to be cleared for Westbrook, and Elarton and Edward Mujica appear to be the two most vulnerable candidates.
Both were called up from Class AAA Buffalo on Saturday, and one of them seems likely to return to Buffalo. Elarton, a veteran with a proven track record in the major leagues, nearly won a spot in the bullpen in spring training.
Elarton pitched well in relief at Buffalo before his recall, but he did not pitch well in Monday night's loss. Whether that will cost him his spot on the major league roster remains to be seen.
WHITE SOX 6, INDIANS 3 (12 innings): RHP Scott Elarton, in his first appearance since being recalled from Class AAA Buffalo on Saturday, gave up three runs in the 12th inning as the Indians lost for the ninth time in their last 10 games. OF David Dellucci and SS Jhonny Peralta both hit solo home runs, but the Indians' offense was otherwise almost non-existent.
