Indians announce official Opening Day roster
The Indians made their roster decisions last week, but now everything is official. Cleveland put the final touches on its Opening Day roster with a handful of transactions on Sunday afternoon.
To round out their bench, the Indians selected the contract of utility man Ryan Raburn from Triple-A Columbus and added him to the active roster. The Tribe cleared a spot on its 40-man roster for Raburn by designating left-hander David Huff for assignment.
The Indians also placed right-hander Frank Herrmann -- expected to miss all of the coming season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow earlier this month -- on the 15-day disabled list.
Cleveland will open the 2013 season against the Blue Jays at 7:07 p.m. ET on Tuesday in Toronto.
The Indians' Opening Day lineup will consist of leadoff man and center fielder Michael Bourn, followed by shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, second baseman Jason Kipnis, first baseman Nick Swisher, left fielder Michael Brantley, catcher Carlos Santana, designated hitter Mark Reynolds, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and right fielder Drew Stubbs.
Cleveland's pitching staff to open the season will consist of starters Justin Masterson (Opening Day starter), Ubaldo Jimenez, Brett Myers, Zach McAllister and Carlos Carrasco, closer Chris Perez, and relievers Vinnie Pestano, Joe Smith, Matt Albers, Cody Allen, Rich Hill, Nick Hagadone and Bryan Shaw.
Carrasco will spend the first six games of the season in Cleveland finishing up a suspension handed down by Major League Baseball after Carrasco threw at the Royals' Billy Butler in July 2011. The right-hander originally appealed the punishment, and did not serve it prior to undergoing season-ending surgery on his right elbow two years ago. Carrasco missed all of last season while recovering from the procedure.
Once Carrasco's suspension has been served, the righty will be sent to Triple-A Columbus.
Left-hander Scott Kazmir, who is not currently on the 40-man roster, is expected to open this season as the fifth starter for the Indians. Kazmir will be added to Cleveland's roster, which includes 39 players at the moment, in time for an outing against Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Veteran Jason Giambi, who will serve as a part-time designated hitter and pinch hitter for the Indians, will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain. The Indians are optimistic that the 42-year-old Giambi will recover in time to be activated when eligible on April 9.
Until Giambi's return, Cleveland's bench will consist of backup catcher Lou Marson and versatile utility men Mike Aviles and Raburn. Aviles can handle second base, shortstop, third base and the corner outfield positions, while Raburn offers insurance for second and third base, as well as the outfield corners.
The Indians officially trimmed their roster down to 25 players by also re-assigning pitchers Matt Capps, Jerry Gil and Daisuke Matsuzaka, catcher Omir Santos, infielder Luis Hernandez and outfielder Matt Carson to Triple-A Columbus.