The Indians are trying to find out if Laffey is merely going through a "tired arm" period or if something is wrong with his left shoulder.
View full sizeAaron Laffey says bouncing between the starting rotation and the bullpen the past two years has taken a toll on his arm. MINNEAPOLIS — Aaron Laffey's left shoulder is in line for an MRI scan Thursday. The news is better for prospect Carlos Carrasco.
The Indians are trying to find out if Laffey is merely going through a "tired arm" period or if something is wrong with his left shoulder. Laffey's velocity has dropped in his past two starts after joining the Indians on June 25 from Class AAA Columbus.
Carrasco, pitching for Columbus, left Tuesday's game against Durham in the fourth inning with pain in his right forearm. The Indians wanted an extended look at Carrasco in the second half, but this could change their plans.
"He had a mild cramp in his right forearm," said Ross Atkins, Indians director of player development. "It was on the outside of the forearm and wasn't near any ligaments.
"It's nothing we're concerned about. We should know more when he throws [Thursday]."
Laffey said bouncing between the rotation and bullpen the past two years has taken a toll on his arm. He came to spring training this year as a starter, switched to the bullpen late in camp and made the big-league pen.
On May 30, he was sent to Columbus to get stretched out as a starter. When left-hander David Huff was sent to Columbus, Laffey was called up to take his place.
Last year Laffey opened the year as starter, but moved to the bullpen when the Indians needed help there. He tore an oblique muscle and went on the disabled list. When he returned, he did so as a starter.
"It's easier going from starting to the bullpen because the work load decreases," Laffey said. "But going from relieving to starting again, it's a little tougher. It's a little tougher on the body.
View full sizeCarlos Carrasco left a game Tuesday with pain in his right forearm while pitching for Columbus, but the Indians say it's not a concern at the moment."You're basically increasing the work load by four. You go from throwing a maximum of 30 pitches to throwing 100 pitches. It takes a toll over a period of time."
Laffey is scheduled to start Sunday against Tampa Bay.
"I won't guess if Aaron is going to make his next start," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "He'll get an MRI [scan Thursday]. He'll continue to be evaluated by Lonnie [Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer], while we're waiting to get the results of the MRI before making a decision."
Laffey said his arm has been bothering him for longer than just the past two starts. If Laffey can't start and Carrasco is unavailable, the Indians best options are probably Jeanmar Gomez, Huff or Josh Tomlin. They're both in the rotation at Columbus.
Gomez, of course, made a spot start last Sunday. He beat Detroit in his big-league debut after allowing two unearned runs in seven innings. Gomez was optioned back to Columbus after the victory.
He's 6-8 with a 5.70 ERA in 18 starts at Columbus.
Huff started the year with the Indians, but was optioned to Columbus on June 21 with a 2-9 record. He's 4-0 with a 3.14 ERA in five starts at Columbus.
Tomlin is 8-4 with a 2.66 ERA in 19 games, including 16 starts, at Columbus. He's not on the 40-man roster so someone would have to be taken off the roster to make room.
Player moves: The Houston Astros claimed infielder Anderson Hernandez off waivers. The Tribe designated Hernandez for assignment Sunday to make room for Gomez.
Meanwhile, Jensen Lewis was optioned to Columbus and added to the 40-man roster. He was designated for assignment Tuesday when shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera rejoined the team even though he still had an option left.
Day of rest: Austin Kearns (right knee) and Michael Brantley (right shoulder) missed their second straight starts Wednesday. Coupled with Thursday's off day, Acta hopes they'll be available Friday.
Finally: Kerry Wood, on the disabled list with a blister on his right index finger, is close to starting a throwing program.