Although the larger helmet worn in the minor leagues can withstand a 100 mph fastball, most major league players don't like its appearance.
View full sizeIt appears unlikely Anthony Reyes will pitch for the Tribe this season. Clubhouse confidential: Besides the pay and meal money, one of the good things about being in the big leagues is not having to wear the batting helmets MLB requires all minor-leaguers to wear this year.
"You look like you're in the movie 'Spaceballs' when the guy who was supposed to be Darth Vader was walking around with the huge helmet on his head," catcher Chris Gimenez said. "It's heavy and it's not comfortable. I feel like my head is getting squeezed when I wear it."
Rawlings designs the large S100 helmet. The manufacturer says it can withstand the impact of a 100 mph fastball. The helmets are available to big leaguers, but no one who has played for the Indians this season has worn one.
Tick tock: The chances of Anthony Reyes pitching in the big leagues for the Tribe this season are running out. He's still working on his mechanics with Class AA Akron pitching coach Greg Hibbard.
Reyes is trying to rebound from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
Stat of the day: Oakland lefty Gio Gonzalez's 0.89 ERA against the Indians, according to Elias Sports Bureau, is the second lowest ERA by any pitcher with at least five starts against the same team over the past two years. Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals has a 0.50 ERA against Houston in the same span.