One day after infielder Andy Marte was an emergency relief pitcher, he and manager Manny Acta could joke about it.
View full sizeAndy Marte had a solid outing on Thursday during his surprise relief pitching appearance against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field.Clubhouse confidential: Manager Manny Acta didn't like using Andy Marte to pitch the ninth inning in Thursday's 11-4 loss to the Yankees, but at least he could crack a joke about it.
"Andy Marte is not available," said Acta, going over his bullpen options with reporters before Friday's game against Toronto.
Marte retired the Yankees in order. He struck out Nick Swisher for the second out of the inning.
"He's in my book," said Marte with a laugh Friday afternoon. "I saw him in the hallway after the game and he yelled, 'You owe me one.' "
Out of the blue: Until Wednesday, the Indians didn't think they'd be able to trade Jhonny Peralta. They already had talked to the Tigers, who showed little if any interest.
On Wednesday the Tigers changed their mind. The whole deal came together in about six hours.
Stat of the day: Marte threw 13 pitches, nine for strikes Thursday. Overall, Tribe pitchers threw 233 pitches, 129 strikes and 104 balls. They walked a season-high 12.
-- Paul Hoynes