Bob

Wickman

That eliminates David Riske, Jason Davis and Rafael Betancourt as candidates for the job.

Wickman was expected to decide on retirement this month. The Brewers would want him as a setup man. If they get him, they’d probably trade Luis Vizcaino.

''I don’t want to go so far as to say that Wickman is our closer,’' manager Eric Wedge said. ''But he should come to camp with the mentality of a closer. David Riske and Danys Baez should come to camp with the mentality of being back-end bullpen guys.’' Sounds pretty clear. If Wickman’s not ready, Riske should be next in line.

“Right now it looks like it’s just soreness from the rehab,” pitching coach Carl Willis said. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it’s not only Wickman’s elbow that is troubling. After a year off, it seems that he’s had some trouble getting back into pitching shape. He’s currently wearing a brace on his left knee and suffering from “overall soreness,” the Indians said.

Wickman is hoping to pitch this season, but even if he does, it won’t be until after the All-Star break.

Wickman expects to begin a rehab assignment on August 16 and pitch 16 innings in the minors before the end of the year.

Wickman, recovering from Tommy John surgery, has not had any setbacks thus far, but he’s not a weak fantasy bet. David Riske and/or Jose Jimenez can pick up saves if Wickman runs into trouble

It was Wickman’s first ‘game’ action in his return from Tommy John surgery. He retired the side in 7 pitches. Wickman should be the Indians closer heading into the season.

Although it appears Wickman is getting closer to a return to the Indian’s bullpen, there is no timetable set as to when that will occur. Still, this is encouraging news for all those who were counting on Wickman to contribute something to their respective fantasy bullpens this season.

The right-hander continues to progress in his recovery from post-Tommy John surgery complications in his right elbow. Wickman is scheduled to pitch again in New York this week, and if all goes well, he could start a rehab assignment in Class AA Akron by the weekend.