News
Wedge works for solution to A's lefties
Oakland (69-78) vs. Cleveland (61-86) 1:05 p.m. PT
By Jane Lee / Special to MLB.com
09/19/09 1:58 AM ET
OAKLAND -- When manager Eric Wedge learned about the A's decision to throw three consecutive lefties out on the mound for the final games of a four-game set, he immediately knew his lineup was due for a little shakeup. No problem. After all, the Indians' skipper has managed 52 players this year, so he's used to the whole flexibility thing. "We have to be somewhat creative here the next few days," Wedge said Friday before the Tribe's second game against Oakland. "We'll be picking spots for guys." Travis Hafner received a day off on Friday and Luis Valbuena was a late-game defensive replacement, but both are expected to be back in the lineup Saturday and, most likely, for the remainder of the series. "I think Valbuena needs it," Wedge said. "He's had a good year, but he's played more this year than he has before, so I think it's a good time for him and Hafner to get the day off." The 23-year-old Valbuena, who began his season at Triple-A Columbus hitting .321, was recalled May 2 and currently boasts a .235 average. "He's been up in September before but hasn't played like this," Wedge said. "Talk about the vibe of the year and, at this level, it's definitely more extreme than anything he's dealt with before." Hafner, meanwhile, is batting .272 with 15 homers and 42 RBIs to lead a group of rather sluggish veterans. "There's only two or three [veterans] in there every night," Wedge said. "With all the young kids in there, you're not sure what you're going to get from those guys. You just know there's going to be some inconsistencies with those guys." Pitching matchupOAK: LHP Gio Gonzalez (5-6, 6.31 ERA)
For the second time this season, Gonzalez was hit hard by the Twins. The lefty gave up seven runs on eight hits in a losing effort on Sunday. Prior to that, his only other outing against Minnesota yielded an 11-run, 10-hit night, although he didn't factor into the decision. The loss Sunday for Gonzalez was his first since Aug. 26 against Seattle. He's 1-0 this season against the Indians, earning a win back in early July when he pitched six innings and struck out eight. CLE: LHP Jeremy Sowers (6-9, 4.49 ERA)
Facing the Twins on Sept. 14, Sowers worked seven scoreless innings. He had tossed seven scoreless in a win over the Mariners on July 25, so his performance in this one was not without precedent this season. Still, it was another strong step forward for Sowers, who has produced quality starts in six of his past nine outings after developing a reputation as a guy who falls apart the second or third time through an opponent's lineup. He gave up just six hits with two walks and two strikeouts to the Twins, stranding a pair of runners in the first, third and seventh innings. Tidbits
Asdrubal Cabrera, who left Wednesday's game against the Twins with a right knee contusion, was available for Friday's contest after being deemed "better" by Wedge. ... Despite Justin Masterson's brief five-run, four-inning performance Thursday, Wedge believes the right-hander fits the starter role well. "He had a tough game, but there were not any real reasons for that," the skipper said. "Starters are where we're short, and I think he can help us." ... Wedge said the club is in the process of figuring out where some of his players will play winter ball. "We should have some things finalized by next week," he said. Tickets
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• Sunday: Athletics (Dana Eveland, 1-3, 7.26) vs. Indians (Fausto Carmona, 3-11, 6.58), 1:05 p.m. PT
• Monday: Athletics (Dana Eveland, 1-3, 7.26) vs. Rangers (Kevin Millwood, 10-10, 3.94), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Tuesday: Athletics (Edgar Gonzalez, 0-2, 4.74) vs. Rangers (Brandon McCarthy, 7-3, 4.97), 7:05 p.m. PT
Jane Lee is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
