An MRI exam of Lewis' elbow showed no structural damage, Indians head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff said Sunday morning.

Soloff said Lewis, placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, has a mild forearm strain.

"He won't throw for 5 to 7 days," Soloff said. "We're hoping for an expedited return of 2 to 4 weeks. Overall, it's highly encouraging news."

Lewis underwent Tommy John surgery in 2003 as a sophomore at Ohio State. Before the MRI scan results were known, Lewis said he was "trying to stay positive." He clearly was nervous that the elbow might be the problem.

"I'm definitely relieved," Lewis said after the Indians' 8-4 victory Sunday. "Going through Tommy John is a very long process, and I don't want to go through anything like it again."

A third-round pick in 2004, Lewis started the Tribe's home opener Friday against the Blue Jays. He gave up four runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings. He said his arm had been sore for several weeks, but his final pitch that day convinced him he could not continue to pitch through the discomfort.

On the mend: Soloff also updated reporters on injured pitchers Adam Miller and Jake Westbrook, and outfielder David Dellucci.

Miller (right middle finger): He continues to make progress and is scheduled to throw batting-practice this week in Goodyear, Ariz. Miller is trying to change his release point to compensate for the injured finger.

"He's throwing his full complement of pitches," Soloff said.

Westbrook (right elbow): Westbrook, who had reconstructive surgery last June, is throwing 60-pitch bullpen sessions off the mound and off-speed pitches on flat ground. He should begin throwing off-speed pitches off the mound this week. He remains on schedule for a midseason return.

Dellucci (left calf): He progressed through base running late last week without any symptoms. He is scheduled to begin graded game activities early this week in Goodyear.

"If all goes well, we'll look to get him out late next week on a rehab assignment," Soloff said.

Slow out of the gate: Third baseman Mark DeRosa hit a two-run homer Sunday, but he remains locked in a struggle. DeRosa is batting .115 (3-for-26) in six games.

"I'd be lying if I said I'm not pressing a bit," he said. "I'm not pressing as far as trying to impress my new coaches or teammates or anything like that. I'm just trying to do too much at the plate."

DeRosa, a streaky hitter, did not see this one on the horizon.

"I never would have expected it coming off one of my better spring trainings and having the at-bats I did in the World Baseball Classic," he said. "I felt really good out of camp."

DeRosa, who had a .279 average in 893 major-league games entering the season, knows he will rebound. That reality, though, does not necessarily make the present easier to handle.

"No one likes to go through slumps," he said, "especially at the beginning of the season."

Crowe's nest: Trevor Crowe hit a two-run double in the fifth inning Sunday for his first major-league hit and RBI. It came with the bases loaded.

In his previous at-bat, Crowe struck out with the bases loaded to end the third. He snapped his bat over his knee.

"As I walked back to the dugout after the strikeout, I had a feeling I might be in that situation again soon," he said. "I didn't know it would be right away."

Crowe felt bad about busting the bat.

"It wasn't premeditated, it was just pure emotions taking over," he said. "After it happens, you snap back to reality and say, 'Come on, be a professional.' "

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com; 216-999-4664