Jason Giambi comes out of his head-first slide into first on Tuesday with a ton of street cred in the Tribe's clubhouse. Watch video
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jason Giambi awoke Wednesday morning and took inventory of his 42-year-old body. Neck, check. Knees, check. Back, check. Spleen, that was OK as well.
"Everything was in working order," he said.
When he went to bed Tuesday night, Giambi wasn't sure what the morning would bring. In the eighth inning of a game long since decided, he launched his 250-pound body at first base for an infield single.
The Indians were winning, 14-2, over the Phillies. They'd already hit seven home runs, but Giambi's head-first dive for the Tribe's 17th and final hit of the night left the biggest impression on Giambi's teammates.
"In one quick 90-foot segment, he displayed what he's about," said Francona. "Our dugout erupted. ... As he was running down to first, he had 24 other guys pushing him. That's a nice feeling."
Said Nick Swisher, "It was the best. Just awesome. It just goes to show you how much he loves this game."
Giambi said he had no regrets about the head-first slide at the time. "When I got up after, I had second thoughts," he said with a laugh.
Giambi smelled a hit and went for it. He sent a message as well, and it was not lost on him.
"That's not the reason why I did it, but the guys loved it and Tito loved it," said Giambi. "If you look back now, hopefully, it sends a message to the young kids how we're going to play this game, how we're going to play as a team and how we're going to act."
He's back: The Indians claimed outfielder Ezequiel Carrera on waivers from the Phillies on Thursday night. He was added to the 25-man roster after Trevor Bauer was optioned to Class AAA Columbus on Thursday after Bauer beat the Phillies on Wednesday night.
Carrera went to spring training with the Indians and had a solid camp, but was out of options and the Indians had no room in the outfield. He was designated for assignment March 25 and the Phillies claimed him April 2.
He appeared in 13 games for the Phillies. To make room for Carrera on the 40-man roster, DH/first baseman Mike McDade was designated.
Carrera fills a need because center fielder Michael Bourn still isn't ready after being spiked in index finger of his right hand on April 14. Bourn will probably go on a rehab assignment, and when he comes back it's likely Carrera will be designated to open a spot for him.
Bauer struck out five, walked six and allowed one hit in 93 pitches against the Phillies. The victory was his first in the American League and as an Indian. He's 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in two spots starts. Undoubtedly, he'll be back sometime this season.
Bauer walked at least one batter in four of his five innings, but none scored.
"For whatever reason I lock in more when guys are on base," said Bauer. "I'm a really competitive guy and I don't want to give up any runs."
Sighs for Cy: Not only have the Indians beaten the defending Cy Young winners this year in David Price and R.A. Dickey, but they've beaten former Cy Young winners Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay.
Chicago's Jake Peavy, another former Cy Young winner, has beaten them this year.
"If a pitcher is putting up the kind of numbers those guys put up," said Mark Reynolds, "they're around the plate a lot. With our hitters, if a guy is around the dish, we've got a chance."
The Indians, according to Elias Sports Bureau, have won 13 of their last 19 games in which the opposing starter was a former Cy Young winner dating back to 2007, when they won five of six games started by Minnesota's Johan Santana.
Quick strike: The Indians are 10-2 when they score first.
"It's a good way to play," said Francona. "When you score first and you score next, it's a great recipe for winning. It's a lot easier to play when you're not fighting back. It's a really good way to play."
Finally: Right-hander Blake Wood, who signed with the Indians during the offseason, will make a rehab asppearance Saturday with Class AA Akron. He had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow a year ago when he played for Kansas City.