Billy

Traber

Manager Eric Wedge said Traber is healthy, but ''we’ve gone out of our way this year to protect our young starters. Billy has thrown over 100 pitches in his last two starts and we want to give him a rest.’' Mulholland will be making his first start of the season.

Traber pitched three scoreless innings in his debut, but manager Eric Wedge plans to keep him in relief for the short term.

So far the Indians have three blown saves, and relievers Jose Santiago, David Riske, and Chad Paronto have been less than effective. Billy Traber, who has only appeared once, may get the next shot at getting the team through the mid-to-late innings. Said Wedge: Billy’s almost as effective against right-handers and lefties. He’s a guy who doesn’t get caught up in the moment, and he throws strikes. The more comfortable he gets in the bullpen, the more effective he will be.’'

Traber said his elbow started to respond in January, after he took three months off. ''I threw a few bullpen [sessions] and, amazingly, it didn’t hurt,’' he said. Traber is likely to open the season in Triple-A.

It doesn’t sound like Jake Westbrook will slide back into the rotation. The Indians are expected to recall Brian Tallet from Triple-A Buffalo to take Bere’s roster spot, with one of Traber or Tallet joining the rotation. Traber has a 3.95 ERA working mostly in relief this year, but control has been an issue, with 19 walks (and 26 strikeouts) in 27 1/3 innings.

The lefthander becomes the third rookie in the Indians’ rotation. ''Billy will be limited to about 65 to 70 pitches’’ for his first outing, manager Eric Wedge said.

Carl Sadler will be pitching earlier in games for now.

Manager Eric Wedge will watch closely to determine whether or not to shut Traber down for the season.

Traber would probably be better off starting games in Triple-A, especially since the Indians are going to be carrying two other lefty relievers. Because he could join the rotation at some point, Traber is a decent $1-$2 pick in AL-only leagues.

It would be pretty disappointing if the Red Sox lost Traber when they didn’t really need the room on the 40-man roster. It’s still likely that they’ll re-sign him, but Traber might figure he’ll have better opportunities to pitch in the majors elsewhere.