Justin Masterson can see why Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals doesn't want to be shut down at a certain number of innings.

View full sizeReed Saxon, Associated PressJustin Masterson, who was held to an innings limit in 2010 -- his first as a full-time starter in the majors -- can relate to any frustration Washington ace Stephen Strasburg may have as he approaches a pre-set limit of 160 innings after Tommy John surgery. "As a competitor, you want to continue to pitch and help your team," Masterson said Tuesday. "It's really hard if your team is in the situation the Nationals are ... going for the playoffs."

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Justin Masterson wasn't a fan when it happened to him. He can only imagine how Stephen Strasburg feels.

When the Indians told Masterson that they were going to limit him to 180 innings in 2010 because it was his first full season in the rotation, he was not on board with the idea.

"I didn't like it," said Masterson, who beat the Angels with six scoreless innings Monday night. "I felt good. I was pitching well at the end of the season. I wanted to keep going. There was no need for me to stop."

Stop him the Indians did. In September, he pitched only 21 innings. His last four appearances were in relief. The Indians didn't want to overtax Masterson's right arm because he'd pitched only 129 1/3 innings as a starter and reliever in 2009 with the Red Sox and Indians.

"I'm a big boy," said Masterson. "Of course, I wasn't coming off an injury like Strasburg is. I was just coming off of not starting in the near past.

"As a competitor, you want to continue to pitch and help your team. It's really hard if your team is in the situation the Nationals are ... going for the playoffs."

In 2010 the Indians, who went 69-93, weren't going anywhere but home at the end of the season. This year the Nationals have the best record in the big leagues at 72-44 and 51/2-game lead on the NL East. Strasburg is 13-5 with a 2.90 ERA in 23 starts. He's thrown 133 1/3 innings and is expected to be shut down for the season when he hits 160.

Last year he threw just 24 innings in the big leagues after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2010.

"He's the ace," said Masterson. "It's like, 'Let me go be the ace. Let me go lead the staff.'"

Manager Manny Acta, the Nationals manager before their transformation, called it a "delicate situation. But it's something you knew about before the start of the season. Obviously, it hurts the team and you feel kind of trapped once it looks like you're going to make the playoffs.

"But before the seasons started, you knew what the percentage of innings was that you could add to the guy on an annual basis. It's hard, but you don't want to take a chance on pushing the guy into the playoffs and losing him for a longer period of time."

Masterson, to a certain extent, agrees.

"He's young and it's probably a smart thing to have some kind of limit on him because you don't want to go through Tommy John again," said Masterson. "There have been guys who have gone 180 and 190 after Tommy John, but you don't want to push the envelope too much after that.

"But my thought was why don't you skip a few starts during the season. You want to limit innings by the end of the season so you want to figure out clever ways to skip a maybe four starts during a season and that gets you an extra 24 or 28 innings. That could put you in line to be perfect to go into the playoffs."

The White Sox have been doing that to protect lefty Chris Sale, who pitched 71 innings last year as a reliever.

Whatever decision is made, it will be a difficult one. What if Strasburg's health is preserved, but the Nationals never get another shot at the postseason?

"It's difficult, but you understand the older players on the Nationals probably wouldn't be too happy about it," said Masterson. "I'm sure they're saying, 'Hey, our window for being successful is shorter than his.'

"In the end, you're going to do what people tell you to do."

Finally: Jason Kipnis returned to the lineup Tuesday at DH after missing five starts with a stiff neck. ... With Thursday's off day, the Indians could skip rookie right-hander Corey Kluber, but Acta said the rotation will stay in line. "We'll just give everyone an extra day off." ... First-base prospect Jesus Aguilar, who represented the Indians in the Futures Game, has been promoted from Class A Carolina to Class AA Akron. Aguilar hit .277 (102-for-368) with 25 doubles, two triples, 12 homers and 58 RBI at Carolina.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Bentley never played a down for the Browns after suffering injury at start of 2006 training camp.

PD fileLeCharles Bentley

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Browns center LeCharles Bentley settled his two-year-old lawsuit against the team, stemming from a career-ending staph infection contracted while rehabbing from a knee injury.

Although court records show the case is pending, Bentley and the Browns confirmed Tuesday an agreement had been reached. Bentley said the case was settled out of court, and declined to reveal the amount. Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis also confirmed the case had been settled, but offered no further comment.

Bentley announced the settlement Monday night in a statement released to Fox Sports:

"These last six years have been the most trying time of my life, but now that it is over I can honestly say I am a better man for having gone through it. Randy Lerner and I -- two men born and raised in Cleveland -- were able to sit down face-to-face back in June and come to an agreement that was fair."

Bentley, who owns a gym in Avon, said Tuesday he had nothing else to add.

"The statement sums up everything," he said.

Bentley sued the Browns in July 2010 in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, contending the team convinced him to rehab his injured knee at its Berea headquarters without telling him about other players who had contracted staph there.

Among them was former Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, who also sued the Browns -- and the Cleveland Clinic -- and reached an undisclosed settlement in 2010.

Former Browns Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, Brian Russell and Ben Taylor contracted staph from 2003 to '08.

Bentley, a Cleveland native and former star at St. Ignatius, Ohio State and with the New Orleans Saints, was about to enjoy a homecoming when he signed a six-year contract with the Browns as a free agent in 2006.

The two-time Pro Bowler tore a tendon in his left knee on the team's first drill of training camp that season and never played another down.

UPDATED: Ubaldo Jimenez lost his American League-leading 12th game Tuesday night as the Angels beat the Indians, 9-6, at Angel Stadium.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Two hours before Tuesday night's game, Ubaldo Jimenez was in the nearly deserted visitor's locker room at Angel Stadium throwing imaginary pitches. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans and holding a baseball in his right hand.

As his teammates left the locker room for batting practice, Jimenez kept going through his delivery, searching for something, anything, to bring equilibrium to his season and career.

"I'm a work in progress," said Jimenez.

If that is so, Jimenez needs a lot more work because there has been little if any progress made this season. His performance Tuesday in the Indians' 9-6 loss to the Angels drove that home clearly and concisely.

Five days after one of his best starts of the season, Jimenez turned in one of his worst. He gave up four runs in the first inning and four more in the fourth to make any attempt by the Tribe at a late-inning rally almost meaningless.

Manager Manny Acta usually finds a silver lining when Jimenez pitches, but not Tuesday. Here's a sampling of what he had to say.

• "Ubaldo didn't have very good stuff, especially in the first inning."

• "Too many fat pitches over the plate and they hit him around."

• "He got into a little better groove after the first, but they got to him in the fourth. He didn't have very good command with fastball, didn't pitch inside enough with it and they took advantage."

On Thursday Jimenez struck out a season-high 10 batters in a victory over Boston. Tuesday night he allowed eight runs on eight hits in four innings. He is 2-7 in his last 10 starts and 13-16 with a 5.45 ERA since the Indians acquired him on July 31, 2011.

"I definitely expected more of myself this season," said Jimenez. "Sometimes I have a good game. Sometimes I have a bad game. I've definitely been inconsistent.

"I've been up and down since last year, but I've got to keep going and working hard."

The Angels, who have lost nine of their past 13 games, sent 10 men to the plate in the first to take a 4-0 lead. Erick Aybar and Albert Pujols homered in the fourth to make it an 8-2 lead.

"They had a good approach," said Jimenez. "They hit good pitches in the first inning. They were swinging early in the count."

The Angels are one of those teams that have everything. They have $155 million payroll. At the July 31 trading deadline, they acquired former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke, who beat the Tribe on Tuesday. During the winter they signed Pujols and C.J. Wilson.

Yet for all those moves, they're trailing Texas and Oakland in the AL West.

In the Indians, they're facing a low-rent team that scuttled itself in the AL Central with a recent 11-game losing streak. With 45 games left, they have to go 28-17 to finish .500. That would be one victory better than last year, but far from the lofty goals they set before the start of the season.

Still, if not for Jimenez's poor early pitching, the Indians may have beaten the Angels for the second straight night in this three-game series. Greinke (10-4, 3.81) went seven innings to win his first game as an Angel in four starts.

Michael Brantley, who had three of the Tribe's 11 hits, hit a two-run homer in the fourth to make it 4-2. In the seventh, Ezequiel Carrera and Jason Kipnis drove in runs to make it 9-4. Former Angel Casey Kotchman added a two-run homer in the eighth to make it 9-6.

Greinke, 9-9 lifetime against the Indians, allowed four runs on eight hits. He's 5-1 against the Tribe since 2009.

"We put up a fight until the end," said Acta. "Unfortunately, we were in a very deep hole before the fifth inning."

Jimenez, the man who dug the hole, is putting up some ugly numbers in 2012. He leads the American League with 12 losses and 13 wild pitches. He's second in the AL with 79 walks.

The Indians are 10-22 since the All-Star break and 4-3 since the end of their season-changing 11-game losing streak. Chris Seddon and Frank Herrmann, part of the eight-man bullpen Acta is employing to help rejuvinate the staff after the losing streak, completed Tuesday's game.

Seddon allowed one run in 2 1/3 innings. Hermann ended it with 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Saban played linebacker for the Browns during their All-America Football Conference seasons, when they went 52-4-3 counting the playoffs and won all four league championships.

Associated Press/Buffalo BillsLou Saban as the Buffalo Bills' coach in 1963. He and the Bills won the 1964 and 1965 American Football League championships.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A countdown of the top 100 players in Cleveland
Browns history. Players must have spent at least four seasons with the
Browns. The ranking is based only on players' careers with the Browns.

No. 90, Lou Saban, linebacker, 1946-49

Lou Saban played just four seasons with the Browns, but it was enough time for him to make a major impact for one of pro football's all-time great defenses.

The four seasons were the first in Browns' history -- and spanned the entire history of the All-America Football Conference, which folded following the 1949 campaign, leading to the Browns' entry into the National Football League.

Saban, athletically gifted and savvy, played middle linebacker in Cleveland's 5-3 defense during his first three seasons. On occasion, the Browns played a "seven-diamond" defense, featuring seven linemen and Saban as the lone linebacker. Saban also played on the outside of the 5-3 during his final season.

The Browns won all four AAFC championships. Saban and the defense did their part, allowing fewer points than any team in the league every year, as Cleveland went 47-4-3 in regular season games. The Browns were 5-0 in playoff contests, holding their opponents to eight points per game.

Statistics from the era don't include individual tackles, but Saban's totals would have surely been impressive. He intercepted 13 passes, returning one for a touchdown, in regular season games, and had two picks in playoff games, with another touchdown return.

Saban showed his versatility when he filled in for Lou Groza to kick extra points during a few games in the 1947 and 1949 seasons. He converted 21 of 22 tries, and also made his lone attempt in a playoff game.

Saban retired as a player prior to the 1950 season to become the head coach at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland (which later merged with Western Reserve University to become Case Western Reserve University).

The job at Case began a long coaching career for Saban that peaked in 1964 and 1965, when he coached the Buffalo Bills to consecutive American Football League championships.

The Browns, of course, routed the Baltimore Colts, 27-0, to win the 1964 NFL title, then lost to the Green Bay Packers, 23-12, in the 1965 championship game. The first Super Bowl concluded the 1966 season, with the NFL's Packers besting the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10.

(The Browns' all-time top 100 players so far)

Video: A report on Lou Saban after he died on March 29, 2009, at age 87:

Highlights include Indians at Angels, with starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez making his season debut for the Tribe.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerRoberto Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, will make his 2012 debut for the Indians when he starts tonight against the Angels in Los Angeles. The 10:05 game will be televised on SportsTime Ohio and broadcast on WTAM/1100-AM.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer and Michigan's entire football program are under the most pressure in the Big Ten to deliver. CineSport's Noah Coslov and Sporting News' Steve Greenberg discuss this as well as Penn State.

For more video from CineSport, go here.

Not only has Jimenez been bad this season, but he's trending the wrong way with a 2-7 record and 7.16 ERA in his last 10 starts.

View full sizeRose Palmisano/MCTCleveland Indians starter Ubaldo Jimenez throws to the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

The most discouraging thing about this downer of a Tribe season?

It's Ubaldo Jimenez.

You saw it (or at least heard about it) in Tuesday's 9-6 loss to the Angels.

Jimenez gave up four runs in the first inning. Michael Brantley continues to have a strong year, as he hit a 2-run homer to cut the Angel lead to 4-2 head into the bottom of the fourth.

Then Jimenez gave up four more runs!

In his last 10 starts, he's 2-7 with a 7.16 ERA.

Instead of getting better...even a baby crawl, forget those baby steps...his career seems to keep sinking.

When the Tribe traded for Jimenez on July 31, 2011, they knew he was not the Ubaldo Jimenez who was 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA for Colorado in 2010.

If he were, Rockies General Manager Dan O'Dowd would not have been so interested in trading a 27-year-old righty with a team-friendly contract.

But the Tribe thought he could be the Jimenez of 2009: 15-12 with a 3.47 ERA

Or at least the Jimenez of 2008: 12-12, 3.99.

Now, he's in the rotation simply because the Indians are stuck with him and somehow must turn him into a reasonable facsimile of a big league starter.

Some Tribe fans can take some relief in the production of the two key prospects traded for Jimenez. Drew Pomeranz is 1-7 with a 5.04 ERA and is skipping his next start because "of a sore chest," according to the Rockies.

Alex White is 2-6 with 5.83 ERA, 5-10 with a 6.34 ERA since traded to the Rockies.

The problem is Jimenez, who is doing so many things wrong. You can see the big stuff: the homers allowed, the inability to pitch out of tight spots, the lack of confidence on the mound.

But he also does the little stuff wrong.

He leads the league in walks.

He leads the league in wild pitches.

He leads the league in stolen bases allowed -- 26, next is Justin Masterson with 19.

Since coming to the Tribe, he's 13-16 with a 5.45 ERA and trending the wrong way. And he's incredible frustrating to watch because he does have the talent to be a good Major League pitcher.

What will the Indians do? They'll pick up his $5.7 million option for next season and trying to keep fixing the right-hander.

Because of the magnitude of the deal and not many other starting candidates, they'll try it one more time with Jimenez.

"For those of you who want Kotchman out of here, he is a good player, a true MLB professional, he's still young, I'd sign him to an extension for next year. He could be very useful. Compared to the other "options", if we can call them so." - jjpitino

View full sizeAP Photo/Tony DejakOne cleveland.com reader says Casey Kotchman is a good option for the Tribe next season.

"For those of you who want Kotchman out of here, he is a good player, a true MLB professional, he's still young, I'd sign him to an extension for next year. He could be very useful. Compared to the other "options", if we can call them so."

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann, preparing for a pair of World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica next month, included Cameron on his 22-man roster for Wednesday night's exhibition against El Tri at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium. The Americans are 0-23-1 against El Tri in Mexico, including 0-19-1 in the thin air at altitude in Mexico City.

AP File PhotoIn this June 23, 2012, file photo, Houston Dynamo's Geoff Cameron, left, battles for the bal with Montreal Impact's Sanna Nyassi, right, during the first half of an MLS soccer game in Montreal.. After getting his work permit approved to play with Stoke in the English Premier League, Cameron quickly turned around and headed to Mexico City for the United States' exhibition game against El Tri on Wednesday night.

Geoff Cameron has been quite the world traveler.

The 27-year-old defender was in Bavaria on Friday night, where he made his first appearance for Stoke following his transfer from Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo. He headed back to England with his new club, then flew to Amsterdam to catch an overnight flight to Mexico City, where he joined up with the U.S. national team on Sunday.

"It's been one of my dreams since I was a younger kid. I grew up watching the English Premier League and I said one day I want to be playing in England," Cameron said Tuesday. "Everything has kind of worked out."

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann, preparing for a pair of World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica next month, included Cameron on his 22-man roster for Wednesday night's exhibition against El Tri at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium. The Americans are 0-23-1 against El Tri in Mexico, including 0-19-1 in the thin air at altitude in Mexico City.

"We have to go in and prove ourselves," Cameron said.

Cameron played his last match for the Dynamo on July 15 and joined up with Stoke in Florida during its preseason U.S. tour. But waiting for paperwork to be completed and for his British work permit to be approved, he couldn't play. He finally got on the field for Friday's game at Greuther Fuerth, which is preparing for its first season in the German Bundesliga.

After starting the game in central midfield, Cameron finished in his more familiar central defense role.

"He's on a very positive path," Klinsmann said. "It's been a little bit of an emotional roller-coaster for him, but it's finally done. ... On Wednesday, he just has to settle in as fast as possible and keep his nerves under control while 100,000 Mexicans make some noise."

Klinsmann, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard were among those who wrote letters for Cameron to the UK Border Agency, whose work permit rules require that a player appear in at least 75 percent of his national team's competitive matches during the previous two years.

Cameron made his national debut in February 2010 but just one of his five appearances has been in a competitive game, a World Cup qualifier at Guatemala in June. He successfully argued the requirement should be waived became of a torn knee ligament that sidelined him for much of 2010.

"I've seen him play once, in an international, and he's got good qualities," Stoke manager Tony Pulis told The Sentinel, Stoke's evening newspaper. "I think Americans are well suited to the Premier League because they are honest and hardworking. You look at some of the players in the MLS and it might be a place teams in England look to now, instead of constantly looking in Europe to buy players. There is better value."

Founded in 1863, Stoke is the oldest Premier League club and is located about 35 miles south of Manchester. The Potters returned to the top division in 2008-09 for the first time since relegation in 1985 and have been criticized for their physical play under Pulis.

Cameron was surprised when he met new teammate Peter Crouch, a 6-foot-7 forward.

"I told him, 'I thought you were big on TV, but you're huge,'" Cameron recalled. "He just started laughing."

Howard, who plays for Everton in nearby Liverpool, showed Cameron around the area. While Cameron is living in a hotel, he hopes to get a place of his own in Cheshire. Excitement is building ahead of Stoke's season opener at Reading on Saturday.

But first is the game in Azetca. Mexico is coming off its surprising gold medal at the London Olympics, where it upset Brazil 2-1 in a match between under-23 teams with three overage players on each side. Mexico planned to honor the new champions at Wednesday's match.

Mexico's national team is 18th in the FIFA rankings, while the U.S. is 36th.

"There is a gap. It would be foolish not to recognize that," Klinsmann said. "If one team doesn't qualify for the Olympics and the other team wins the Olympics, there is a gap."

NOTES: Several regulars remained in Europe, including Fs Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, MF Michael Bradley and D Carlos Bocanegra. German-American D Timmy Chandler also is not on the roster. Chandler has played exhibitions for the U.S. but refused to play in qualifiers, which would have bound him to the American national team. "Timmy is not sure yet if he wants to commit 100 percent to us and we don't (want to) stress him out," Klinsmann said. "I told Timmy that our view may not be aligned, but let us know. It's no problem. I don't want to bring up a player who is not 100 percent committed."

AURORA, O. - As much as he treasures football, Aurora senior tight end/linebacker Zach Smierciak admits he's somewhat of a book worm and it's the main reason he gave Miami (O.) football program's his oral commitment on Tuesday.  "I'm going to major in business and getting a degree from (Miami's) business program is going to be huge for me...

AURORA, O. - As much as he treasures football, Aurora senior tight end/linebacker Zach Smierciak admits he's somewhat of a book worm and it's the main reason he gave Miami (O.) football program's his oral commitment on Tuesday.

 "I'm going to major in business and getting a degree from (Miami's) business program is going to be huge for me in the future,'' said Smierciak, a 6-3, 225-pounder.

 However, this kid can play football and it's the main reason Smierciak was also given scholarship offers and visited Ball State and Bowling Green.

 "I like the direction Miami is going with its football, I wanted to go to a program where I feel I can help out right away and Miami's the place for me,'' said Smierciak, who also visited Yale and entertained scholarship offers from Buffalo and Kent.

 "I was recruited as a linebacker but, depending how I (physically) grow, I could be moved to D-end or tight end.''
 

 Smierciak's commitment completes the sweep of Aurora's talented trio. Two-way lineman Patrick Dougherty gave Indiana his word last week as linebacker/fullback Zach Quinn with Toledo.

Cavs name Koby Altman pro personnal manager

The Cavaliers have named Koby Altman pro personnel manager, general manager Chris Grant announced Wednesday.

Altman will coordinate the team’s domestic professional scouting efforts and will assist Grant and vice president of basketball operations David Griffin with other player personnel related matters.

Altman, 29, joins the Cavs from Columbia University, where he served as an assistant coach for the past two seasons, while also leading Columbia’s developmental basketball program.

Altman also has extensive experience with the USA Basketball program. In the summer of 2010, he served as the operations manager for USA Basketball’s Under-17 team at the inaugural FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Hamburg, Germany. That 17-and-under squad won the first gold medal to ever be awarded for that age group and featured three players selected among the top 10 in the 2012 NBA Draft. In 2009, he assisted Team USA’s 19-and-under team in the FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand. That squad also won the gold, its first in that age group since 1991.

Prior to joining Columbia, Altman spent the 2009-10 season at Southern Illinois as a graduate assistant after earning his master’s degree in sport management at UMASS-Amherst, where he also coached for two seasons and helped guide the team to a 48-11 record. He played at Middlebury College, where he was a three-year starter at point guard.

Today, live at noon, on PD Sports Insider, join Dennis Manoloff, Bud Shaw and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, to talk about the latest Cleveland Browns news. The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot will join the crew.

Watch PD Sports Insider live at noon every Thursday on cleveland.com

Note: To turn off audio alerts in the chatroom, click on the round button on bottom left of the chat room, then preferences. Uncheck all audio options and save.

About the show: PD Sports Insider airs live every Thursday at noon. Co-hosted by Bud Shaw, Dennis Manoloff and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, the show features a timely and lively debate of the biggest sports topics of the day and gives readers a chance to interact directly with PD sportswriters and columnists.

Viewers have to the opportunity to ask questions and post comments in a live chat room during the show. They can also email their video questions during the week.

"It's weak and it's sickening," said manager Manny Acta on the warning that was issued by plate umpire Phil Cuzzi on Tuesday night in the fourth inning of the Indians' 9-6 loss to the Angels.

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerManny Acta doesn't like the inconsistent use of warmings by umpires.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Manager Manny Acta wasn't happy Tuesday night when plate umpire Phil Cuzzi issued a warning to Zack Greinke for hitting Carlos Santana in the hip with one out in the fourth inning at Angel Stadium.

He felt Cuzzi had grounds to eject Greinke.

"I understand that the umpires are just trying to cover themselves, but that's just not right," said Acta. "The rule says that if you know, and you're sure that a guy hit a guy on purpose, you can throw him out of the game. He knew he hit him on purpose.

"If the umpire considered that he hit him on the purpose, what's the ruling? So now he puts a warning so we can't retaliate? That's not fair."

In the first, Tribe starter Ubaldo Jimenez hit second baseman Howie Kendrick with a pitch that sent him sprawling while the Angels were busy scoring four runs in what would eventually turn into a 9-6 victory.

"There is so much inconsistency with that rule," said Acta. "I think the whole ballpark knew Kendrick wasn't hit on purpose. I think the whole ballpark knew Greinke hit Santana on purpose."

Jimenez, who allowed eight runs in four innings, has struggled with his control all year. He leads the American League in wild pitches (13), losses (12) and earned runs (86). He's tied for the league lead in walks with 79.

Acta was upset because if Jimenez retaliated, he could have been immediately ejected. In the fourth, he did back Mike Trout off the plate, but remained in the game. Not that, that offered much comfort to the Indians.

"You have to give the other guy a shot to at least do something," said Acta. "There's some much inconsistency with that rule. It's weak and it's sickening."

The Angels said Santana was not hit on purpose.

"There was no intent with what Zack was doing," manager Mike Scioscia told reporters. "He wasn't trying to do anything, but just get a comeback fastball on the inside
to Santana and just pulled it a little bit."

Said Greinke, "I throw in, just to establish other stuff. I pulled that one a little bit. People seem to think any time I throw inside I'm hitting guys on purpose. I don't understand it."

After hitting Santana, Greinke threw one pitch to Michael Brantley and he hit down the right field line for a two-run homer.

Tonight's lineups:

Indians (54-63): 2B Jason Kipnis (L), DH Asdrubal Cabrera (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), C Carlos Santana (S), CF Michael Brantley (L), 1B Casey Kotchman (L), SS Brent Lillibridge (R), 3B Jack Hannahan (L), LF Ezequiel Carrera (L), RHP Roberto Hernandez (first start).

Angels (61-56): CF Mike Trout (R), SS Erick Aybar (S), RF Torii Hunter (R), DH Kendry Morales (S), 1B Mike Trumbo (R), 3B Alberto Callaspo (S), LF Vernon Wells (R), 2B Maicer Izturis (S), C Chris Iannetta (R) and RHP Ervin Santana (5-10, 5.82 overall, 0-1, 5.68 with Angels).

Umpires: H Greg Gibson, 1B Manny Gonzalez, 2B Gerry Davis, 3B Phil Cuzzi.

Indians vs. Santana: Choo is hitting .417 (5-for-12) and Brantley is hitting .357 (5-for-14).

Angels vs. Hernandez: Peter Bourjos is hitting .429 (3-for-7) and Izturis is hitting .316 (9-for-16).

Next: The Indians are off Thursday before opening a three-game series in Oakland on Friday.

Some rookies are competing for starting jobs or key roles, while others are trying to win a roster spot.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerBrowns' rookie wide receiver Josh Cooper catches a pass during practice on Monday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns play their second exhibition game on Thursday night, when they visit the Green Bay Packers.

Coach Pat Shurmur and his staff have had looks at the Browns' rookies since the NFL draft in late April; since the subsequent signing of undrafted free agents; and, in the case of wide receiver Josh Gordon, since the supplemental draft last month.

Following Thursday night's game, the Browns will play two more exhibition contests, both in Cleveland: on Aug. 24 against the Philadelphia Eagles and on Aug. 30 against the Chicago Bears.

There will be more practices for young players to make an impression, too, as Cleveland prepares for the Sept. 9 season opener against the Eagles at Browns Stadium. Yet, the Browns will soon begin to trim their roster, and for some players, their hopes of playing in the NFL are at stake now. And, for the players who make the team, now is the time that they can make pushes for starting jobs, secure spots on the special teams or simply establish a trust among coaches that they can get the job done.

The Browns would love to see some rookies emerge as players the team can count on.

Which rookie's performance against the Packers is most important for the Browns? We leave out Brandon Weeden because, as the team's announced starting quarterback, he might run away with the vote. Also omitted is running back Trent Richardson, sidelined after undergoing minor knee surgery, and wide receiver Travis Benjamin, who may not play after missing some practice time for an undisclosed reason.

The Tribe finish up their series against the Angels tonight in Anaheim. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes, @hoynsie.

The Tribe finish up their series against the Angels tonight in Anaheim. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.

View full sizeAP Photo/Reed SaxonCleveland Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera makes the double play, getting the Los Angeles Angels' Chris Iannetta at second and Mike Trout at first in the seventh inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012.

Brandon Weeden will get a chance to see how he'll fare against the Packers' aggressive zone blitz Thursday night.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrandon Weeden had only a brief exposure to NFL pressure in the exhibition opener against the Lions last week. Thursday's game in Green Bay should give him at least two full quarters to get accustomed to the blitzes found in the pros. "We have to be good with our assignments and know who we're blocking," he said. "I'm looking forward to it."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Brandon Weeden's second preseason start in Green Bay should help answer one of the biggest questions about him: How will he respond to the NFL's ferocious pass rushes?

At Oklahoma State, where Weeden played in a fast-paced spread, he emerged from most games with nary a grass stain. In 14 outings last season, he was sacked only 12 times, and in 10 games was sacked only once or not at all.

But all of that will change very soon. Thursday night's game in Green Bay will give Weeden a taste of the complex zone blitzes he'll face during the regular season against the Steelers and other teams. Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers perfected the scheme in Pittsburgh alongside Dick LeBeau, and isn't afraid to use it in preseason.

"Yeah, [Capers] can dial it up," said Browns offensive coordinator Brad Childress. "He did it in the first [preseason] game against San Diego, and there's no reason to believe if they did it to a guy like Philip Rivers, he's not going to do it to us."

But Childress welcomes the onslaught.

"That's why we go through those blitz drills every day here," he said. "Quarterbacks can tell you that they're comfortable with the blitz, but when you throw that chin music at them, you always want to see how they react. As much as we can get, the merrier, I guess. It'd be good for all 11 on offense to see how we react."

Weeden, who will play at least a half in the quasi-dress rehearsal, saw some zone-blitzing in the Big 12, and plenty of the 3-4 scheme the Packers run.

"[But] obviously the [NFL] guys are a little bit better and a little bit faster," he said.

In his first game against the Lions, Weeden reacted a split-second slow to pressure from behind and had the ball knocked out by defensive end Willie Young.

"Regardless of whether it was a fumble or it wasn't a fumble, I've got to get that ball out quicker," said Weeden. "That's something you kind get a feel with as the game goes on."

Of course, the younger players on the line, such as rookie right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, will also have to be on the alert. Schwartz gave up some pressures and the sack on Weeden's fumble in Detroit, and is gearing up for a better outing.

"In passing situations they take out one of the big guys and put the smaller guy in," said Schwartz. "They bring a lot of different looks, a lot of different fronts, a lot of different body types you're going against. They're not going to sit back and give us time. They're going to come after us.

"We have to be good with our assignments and know who we're blocking. I'm looking forward to it."

When the Packers aren't recording sacks, they're often forcing bad decisions. They led the NFL with 31 interceptions in 2011, and swiped another last week off Rivers, who also lost a fumble.

Weeden, who completed three of nine attempts for 62 yards last week, had a miscommunication with receiver Greg Little that resulted in an interception. But the two worked hard after practice this week.

"We came out and ran that play five or six times and we talked through it more than anything," said Weeden. "Some guys do things differently, and I see things differently when you have those big 300-pounders right in your face. Those are easy adjustments. We made steps in the right direction."

Weeden has also worked hard to master the complex terminology of the West Coast offense. Childress has encouraged him to practice in front of the mirror, but Weeden admitted he's relied on a different aid to memorize the plays.

"I didn't have to say [play calls] in college because we signaled everything because we played so fast," he said. "In [Browns practices] we had a new [play installed] every single day. So at night I'd send [wife Melanie] a picture of the script and she'd call a play -- she was butchering every play, by the way. I'd say 'em back to her. Now I'm good.

"I've got a feel for what we're doing."

Weeden hasn't let unfavorable comparisons to the first three QBs drafted in April bother him. Washington's Robert Griffin III earned a 145.8 rating against Buffalo, Miami's Ryan Tannehill a 106.6 vs. Tampa Bay and Indianapolis' Andrew Luck a 142.7 against St. Louis. Weeden -- 19.0 against the Lions -- beat them all in college.

"I've watched them because they're buddies of mine," Weeden said. "They all played pretty well. [But] I don't compare them to me or them to [Seattle third-round pick] Russ Wilson or any of those guys. They're all really good football players."

Besides, preseason numbers are deceiving, Weeden said.

"It's never as good as you think it is and it's never as bad as you think it is," he said. "I'm excited to get back out there and correct the mistakes I made last week."

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Hold on a second. Nobody should expect Brandon Weeden to be Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III. What the Browns drafted was a much-needed upgrade, not a savior.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerThe passion of some Browns fans desperate for an improved offense has given Brandon Weeden exactly ... what, one week? ... to prove his mettle. That's a little shortsighted, says Bud Shaw.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The honeymoon can't be over for Brandon Weeden anytime soon, or this will make a Kardashian marriage look like a life-long commitment.

Let Weeden clear his throat and find his range before giving him the Simon Cowell treatment. Seems only fair. If not, we'll officially live in the craziest football city in America. So we'll have that going for us.

We need quarterback perspective in this town the way Mrs. Chad Johnson needs an annulment. The Browns didn't draft Weeden expecting him to match Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, and especially not by Labor Day. That's exactly why Plan A involved trying to draft RGIII.

They reached for Weeden at No. 22, expecting him to become a significant upgrade over Colt McCoy. That's not exactly like stepping in for Pavarotti in the second act of La Boheme, by the way. It's a much more fair measure of Weeden. Based on his size, arm strength, maturity and accuracy, it remains a good bet.

Will he be spectacular at times? That's the hope. Will he provide the strong passing game you need to compete in the NFL in 2012? That's the acceptable minimum.

If that standard goes blatantly unrealized at season's end, new owner Jimmy Haslam has every right to fire all the chefs in the kitchen who claim quarterback as their signature dish. But that's at least 19 weeks from now.

You sensed palpable disappointment in Weeden's first exhibition game, though the source of it was unclear. Was it because too much was expected? Or does it stem from the warm attachment between the undersized McCoy and an underdog football town?

McCoy had significant parts of two seasons playing with the No. 1s, such as they are. Sometimes he looked like a good game manager. A few times he recalled Brian Sipe. Most often he looked below average or overmatched.

It can't be a surprise that Weeden -- without Trent Richardson and with a new right tackle and baby-faced wide receivers -- failed to find any kind of rhythm in three series of his first exhibition game. If you gave McCoy the benefit of the doubt given his poor supporting cast, well, the supporting cast Weeden worked with last week didn't become top-notch overnight.

The Browns are betting on Weeden's tangibles over McCoy's intangibles -- and over the long course of a season, not just the first quarter of the first exhibition game. They're betting he'll step up in the pocket under pressure and fight to own the space to deliver the football instead of giving into his flight instincts.

What fans see as McCoy's edge in mobility isn't all it's cracked up to be. Michael Vick has loads more of it than McCoy, and he can't make it through a season without injury. The model for the Weeden pick is Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco. Big guys who can avoid sacks, keep plays alive then make defenses pay with their arms. (Not that Flacco is in the same class.)

Weeden will be judged on that. Does he need to look better Thursday night in Green Bay than against Detroit? It would be nice for him. (If it quiets McCoy's fans, I'm all for it.) But it's hard to define "need" when the stakes are exhibition games and there's no quarterback competition.

A year ago, McCoy looked good in the preseason. Against Green Bay, he completed nine of 10 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. What good did it do him? What good did it do the Browns? They started planning a shopping trip to find his replacement at the end of the season.

If Weeden shows improvement Thursday night in Green Bay, it'll beat the alternative. Beyond that, rave reviews will carry about as much weight as the bad ones from a week ago.

The selection of Weeden was about finding a quarterback with a higher ceiling. If you can't see that, you must have bumped your head on the low bar set during the 2011 season.

SPINOFFS

When Chad Johnson threw away his chance to play for the Miami Dolphins after allegedly head-butting his new wife, it was almost too perfect that -- according to the report filed with police -- he was seated in a Smart car at the time.

Johnson and Evelyn Lozada dated on the show "Basketball Wives," where she became known for mixing it up with other cast members. With reality TV as the rock-hard foundation of their marriage, it's hard to believe it didn't last at least as long as Kim Kardashian-Kris Humphries. ...

A week after the exhibition opener, we can finally say unequivocally that Mohamed Massaquoi either suffered a concussion or didn't. ...

Browns head coach Pat Shurmur is on record saying Josh Cribbs is "on the back nine of his career." Not sure what that means exactly. Just know that it shouldn't limit his role too significantly, what with so many younger players lost in the woods off the first tee.

Cribbs says you won't hear him talk about wanting an expanded role in the offense again unless the team isn't winning at the bye week in November. What are the chances of that? ...

Replacement refs officiating the Redskins-Bills exhibition game called a touchback on a punt clearly downed at the 4. Nothing says "integrity" quite like the NFL touting the first woman referee as a way of diverting attention from the ridiculous calls we've seen.

Here's an idea. If the NFL is really going to let replacement refs decide regular season games, give coaches three extra challenges. Per quarter.

Settle the dispute already. NFL fans deserve the best bad refereeing money can buy. ...

HE SAID IT

"If I have disappointed you in any way, you have my sincerest apologies." -- Chad Johnson to his supporters after allegations he head-butted his wife, who promptly filed for divorce after 41 days of marriage.

No worries, Chad. The people who know you best took the under.

SHE SAID IT

View full sizeAP fileHe's a veteran face looking to guide a young offense.

"I did win this tournament, didn't I? Maybe I didn't. I can't keep up." -- Serena Williams, returning to the Western Southern Open in Mason, Ohio this week, trying to recall if she'd taken home the trophy there before.

Weird. I have the same issues with whether or not I've won a Pulitzer.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Browns offensive coordinator Brad Childress and actor Gerald McRaney – Ron Hollowell, Chardon

YOU SAID IT

(The Post-Olympics, Pre-Apocalypse Edition)

"Bud:

View full sizeMCT fileHe's a veteran face frequently seen on TV and in the movies, but is best known as Simon ... or is that Simon?

"Now that the Olympics are over, it will be nice for Cleveland fans to get back into their comfort zone of rooting for teams that don't win." -- Rey, Avon

Never let it be said that people here don't look on the bright side.

"Bud:

"Exactly how many is a Brazilian? (And) Is Trinidad and Some Bagels a colony of Israel?" -- Jim Corrigan

And still people around the world call us Ugly Americans.

"Hey Bud:

"It was nice to see Gaylord Perry circle the track in the Tribe's bullpen car. Any possibility the Tribe will re-introduce the bullpen car during games for the remainder of the season?" -- Dr. Grinder

Not this year. The plan is to use it next year to transport Grady Sizemore back and forth from center field.

"Bud:

"What does your favorite golfer, Sergio Garcia, do on weekends?" -- O Bill Stone

Tries to get a re-grip on his game.

"Bud:

"Sorry for using the word 'prevarication' in an earlier email. It was used in reference to Randy Lerner saying he wasn't selling and Uncle Art saying he wasn't moving to Baltimore. For future reference, is there a certain number of syllables or a reading grade level desired for a submission to the Spin?" -- Nate J, Brunswick

No, but high levels of detectable boredom are a must.

"Bud:

"When you arrive at work each day and swagger through the hallways on your way to your desk, what are you listening to on your headphones?" -- Ignatowski

I think you meant stagger. Depends. When I know I'm going to be reading "You Said It" emails, I often listen to Radiohead's "How to Disappear Completely."

"Hey Bud:

"Isn't Josh Cribbs bragging he was the Browns' second-leading receiver sort of like Moe claiming to be the smartest of the Three Stooges?" -- Mark

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"Can the Indians still make the playoffs if they shut down Ubaldo Jimenez?" -- Tom Hoffner, Broadview Heights

Repeat winners take a walk.

"Hey Bud:

"I was just wondering when Jeremy Sowers replica jersey night is?" -- JRM

Some repeat winners should be happy for what they wish for.

On Twitter: @budshaw

Manny Acta said the Indians must find a "solution" in left field, first base, DH and, maybe, third base for next season.

View full sizeAP photoIt has been a difficult second half of the season so far for Jason Kipnis, who is batting under .200 since the All-Star Game. "I'm a little bit tired," he said. "I haven't had a slump like this in a while."

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- This was going to be a story on the lukewarm second halves of shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and second baseman Jason Kipnis. Lukewarm is probably a generous adjective.

Cabrera has two homers and eight RBI since the All-Star break. Kipnis is hitting .194 (18-for-93) with 11 RBI. Headed into the All-Star Game, Cabrera and Kipnis were among the top producing double-play combinations in the American League. When Cabrera made the All-Star Game for the second straight year, it almost seemed guaranteed. When Kipnis was snubbed, there was outrage in Cleveland.

Now they are just trying to get to the end of the regular season with body and soul intact.

Manager Manny Acta says that's what happens when there is too much emphasis on the top four hitters in his lineup -- Kipnis, Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo and Carlos Santana -- and not enough production from the bottom.

"Realistically, I can't expect those guys to be on top of their game for 162 games," said Acta. "That's why we do need more than four guys in our lineup to be productive."

How will the Indians correct that for 2013?

"It's no secret, we're going to need to improve our offense," said Acta. "We're going to have to find a solution in left field, we're going to have to find a solution at first base and we're going to have to find a solution at DH. That's pretty obvious.

"And the third base situation is not determined either. Lonnie [Chisenhall] has a broken arm. The guys that are here right now are fine and doing what they can, but we expect more."

That thump you heard was Tribe CEO Paul Dolan falling out of his chair in the executive offices at Progressive Field. All the Tribe needs to get back on track for next year is a left fielder, first baseman, DH and, maybe, a third baseman. All with the fourth smallest payroll in the big leagues. Who said GM Chris Antonetti has an easy job?

When Acta was told that's quite a shopping list, he said, "We gotta have it."

OK, now that next year has been taken care of, let's return to Kipnis and Cabrera. This is Kipnis' first full season in the big leagues and it looks like he's out of gas.

"I'm a little bit tired," said Kipnis. "I haven't had a slump like this in a while. It's definitely not pitchers making an adjustment. They're not throwing anything I haven't seen before.

"I'm fouling off fastballs I usually put in play. My bat is just dragging a little bit behind."

Kipnis has not homered since June 17, a stretch of 162 at-bats. He has only eight extra base hits, all doubles, in that time.

The thing that makes him an exciting player is an all-out style of play. He runs hard, steals bases and hits for power. Kipnis says he's not going to change that style, but he may have to manage it differently.

"You are what you are," said Kipnis. "I'm just going to have to be a little bit smarter about it. I've got to work smarter instead of harder."

Acta said every first-year player in the big leagues goes through what Kipnis is experiencing. "He has worked really hard," said Acta. "He'll be OK by the end of the season. He has already played to the level of expectations that we had for him."

When told Kipnis was tired, Acta said, "He's missing some pitches because of mechanical issues, but you shouldn't be tired at this time of the year."

Cabrera was hitting .286 (87-for-304) with 11 homers and 42 RBI at the break. He went into Wednesday night's game hitting .260 (33-for-127) with two homers and eight RBI since then.

"You always go up and down in this game," said Cabrera. "I feel comfortable at the plate and we still have a month and a half left."

Cabrera put up career numbers last year when he hit .273 with 25 homers and 91 RBI. This year he's at .278 with 13 homers and 50 RBI.

"I think Cabrera has stayed pretty consistent," said Acta. "No one was sitting here saying that he was going to do 25 homers and 91 RBI every year. The first couple of months of the season his on-base percentage was a lot better. Then he started chasing too many balls out of the strike zone.

"When the team is struggling, those guys try to carry the ballclub by themselves and that's how they get themselves into these things."

On Twitter: @hoynsie

The U.S. had lost 23 matches and drawn one 1 against El Tri in 75 years of matches in Mexico.

U.S Michael Orozco, right, celebrates with teammate Terrence Boyd after scoring after scoring during a friendly soccer game against Mexico in Mexico City, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Second-half substitute Michael Orozco Fiscal scored in the 80th minute to give the United States its first-ever win at Mexico with a 1-0 victory in a friendly Wednesday.

Brek Shea, who entered two minutes earlier, went down the left flank and around Severo Meza before sending a cross to Terrence Boyd. Boyd made a quick backheel pass to Orozco Fiscal, who had entered in the 77th

Orozco Fizcal, who plays in Mexico for San Luis, beat keeper Guillermo Ochoa for his first international goal.

U.S. keeper Tim Howard held on to the lead, changing directions to stop a deflected shot by Javier Hernandez in the 85th, then pawing away a header by Chicharito in the 89th.

"I think it's huge. It's huge for I think all American fans, it's huge for the team, and it's historic," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. "We were very well aware that we've never won here at the Azteca Stadium. This is an amazing experience for the all the players. We told them before the game: This moment is for you, go and grab it. We are all aware that it was a lot, a lot of work."

The U.S. had lost 23 matches and drawn one 1 against El Tri in 75 years of matches in Mexico, including 19 losses and a draw at the thin air at altitude in Mexico City — where they have been outscored 81-14.

"Tim Howard kept us in the game I don't know how many times," said Klinsmann, who has been trying to change the defensive mindset the American had at times under Bob Bradley. "It's a mental aspect of it. Eventually, you need a little bit of luck, too, and I think in some instances we were lucky tonight."

It was the second big win for the Americans this year, following their first-ever victory over Italy in a friendly at Genoa in February.

With the European clubs seasons getting under way, the U.S. used a half-strength squad and a makeshift central defense.

Mexico, also below strength following the Olympics, dominated possession but failed to connect on several open shots as the Americans paired Maurice Edu and Geoff Cameron in the center of their back line.

The game marked the start of the Americans' second year under Klinsmann, who replaced Bradley l after Mexico overcame a two-goal deficit to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup final 4-2.

The U.S. expects to have a lineup closer to full strength for a pair of World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica next month, on the road on Sept. 7 and at Columbus, Ohio, four days later. Mexico plays Costa Rica twice on those same days.

"We know we have to improve in many, many elements," Klinsmann said. "We have to keep the ball longer. We have to create more chances. We have to do a lot of work still. But I think this gives us a lot of confidence."

Landon Donovan, searching for his 50th international goal, left at the start of the second half because of a tight hamstring and DaMarcus Beasley came in for his 97th international appearance. Boyd came in at the same time to replace an ineffective Jose Torres.

Cameron got his head on a cross from Elias Hernandez in the 56th minute, preventing Hernandez from an open shot in front. A minute later, Jesus Zavala put an open header over the crossbar.

With Ochoa off his line, Kyle Beckerman put a long, sliding shot just over the crossbar in the 60th.

Andres Guardado hooked a free kick just wide to Howard's right post in the 65th after Cameron fouled Hernandez just outside the penalty area. Hernandez then sent an open header wide in the 76th off a cross from Hernandez.

"It was very difficult in high altitude, with many of them flying in from Europe two days ago," Klinsmann said. "But we had a plan, and we tried to execute that plan and getting that win here, I mean it's quite enjoyable."

UPDATED: Hernandez gets roughed up in his first start for the Tribe this season, but he doesn't get much help as the Indians commit three errors early and allow the Angels to cruise to victory.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Roberto Hernandez's first start in the big leagues as Roberto Hernandez was ugly and long. What else could be expected?

For 12 years Hernandez lived a lie as the pitcher known as Fausto Carmona. When he was finally caught in January in his native Dominican Repubulic, it took him nearly six months to extract himself from the web of deceit he'd spun since signing with the Indians in 2000.

So when Hernandez wrestled his way through six innings in the Indians' 8-4 loss to the Angels on Wednesday night, it seemed fitting for all involved.

Hernandez (0-1, 7.50) retired the first three batters he faced on ground balls. He looked sharp and effecient following four minor-league starts while serving a three-week suspension from MLB, but it did not last as the Angels took advantage of his rustiness and three Indians errors in the second inning.

He allowed eight runs on 10 hits, but only five of the runs were earned. He did not record a strikeout or walk in throwing 91 pitches, 56 for strikes.

"I think Hernandez threw the ball a lot better than those numbers indicate," said manager Manny Acta. "We played terrible defense behind him, especially in the second inning."

Ervin Santana, who has suffered mightily at the hands of the Indians, went seven innings for the win. Santana (6-10, 5.59) is 2-8 lifetime against the Tribe. In his only other victory against the Tribe, he threw a no-hitter on July 27, 2011.

Santana left with a 8-1 lead, but Shin-Soo Choo hit a three-run homer for the Tribe in the eighth. It was the only damage Choo did in the three-game series.

"Once again we won the second half of the game," said Acta. "Unfortunately, you have to play all nine innings."

The Indians have lost 15 of their last 19 games.

The Angels won the game with five runs in the second inning. Three of the runs were unearned as Hernandez faced nine batters.

Kendrys Morales, Mark Trumbo and Alberto Callaspo opened the second with singles as Hernandez lost the sink on his sinker. Morales scored on Callaspo's single to left for a 1-0 lead. The inning disintegrated from there.

Vernon Wells sent a double-play grounder to shortstop, but Brent Lillibridge couldn't handle it for his first of two errors in the inning. Trumbo scored for a 2-0 lead.

Maicer Izturis, with runners on first and second, tried to advance the runners with a sacrifice bunt, but he did better than that. Hernandez and catcher Carlos Santana couldn't decide who was going to field the ball and it went for a single to load the bases. Chris Iannetta's sacrifice fly made it 3-0, but the inning would not end. Mike Trout forced Izturis with a grounder to second, but ran his way out of an inning-ending double play. Then Trout stole second and everything went haywire.

Santana made a poor throw to Lillibridge at second as Wells scored from third. When Lillibridge made an off-line throw to the plate, Trout went to third.

It did not end there.

Hernandez, facing Eric Aybar, thought he had him struck out to end the inning. He started walking off the mound, but Aybar had only two strikes on him. Hernandez climbed back on the mound and gave up an RBI triple on the next pitch.

"We had two double plays and didn't turn either one," said Acta. "We didn't even get an out on one. Then we had the bunt play. It was Santana's ball. He called for it, but didn't field it. We didn't help Hernandez at all."

Hernandez was making his first start in the big leagues since Sept. 25 against the Twins.

"I'm just very happy to be getting a second chance to pitch in the big leagues," said Hernandez.

The Angels stretched their lead to 7-0 with runs in the third and fourth. Wells had an RBI grounder in the third and Trout homered in the fourth. It was the 22nd homer for the Angels rookie.

In the fifth, Hernandez hit Hunter to start the inning. Morales followed with a double to right. Relay throws by Choo and Jack Hannahan cut down Hunter at the plate, but it wasn't your ordinary bang-bang play at home.

Hunter dove head-first for the plate as Santana slapped the tag on him. Plate umpire Greg Gibson, down on one knee to make the call, was clipped by Hunter's cleat as he slid past him and was knocked to the ground. Gibson stayed there for several minutes before being helped to his feet.

Gibson was cut over the left eye and left the game. First base umpire Manny Gonzalez moved behind the plate. The three-man crew finished the game. While Gibson was being treated on field, no one knew if Hunter was safe or out. After Gibson left, and with managers Mike Scioscia and Manny Act on the field, it was announced that Hunter was out.

It was the only call that went the Tribe's way all night.

"It was a sensitive situation for Mike and me," said Acta. "We didn't want to be arguing over a call when the guy has just been cut above the eye. When he left the field, Gerry Davis, the crew chief, announced the call."

The Indians finally scored against Santana on Asdrubal Cabrera's double in the sixth to make it 7-1. The Angels came right back with a run in their half of the sixth on Iannetta's two-out homer.

The Tribe dropped two out of three to the Angels to start this nine-game, 10-day West Coast swing. They are 4-11 in August and have lost 11 of their last 12 games on the road.

Hernandez's velocity was between 83 mph and 94 mph in the early going. It slipped to between 90 and 91 in the fifth and sixth innings.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie