Cliff

Lee

Lee will go on a rehab assignment around the end of the month or beginning of May. Once he’s healthy, he will probably pitch for Triple-A Buffalo.

Lee is on the DL as he recovers from a strained abdominal muscle. He’ll likely begin a rehab assignment early next month and will be optioned to Triple-A Buffalo once healthy.

Lee is scheduled to begin a rehabilitation assignment at Double-A Akron or Triple-A Buffalo the first week of June.

Lee suffered an abdominal strain three weeks ago. He’ll be assigned to Triple-A Buffalo once healthy, but he will see time in the Cleveland rotation before the end of the year.

''I think it will benefit all the guys,’' manager Eric Wedge said, referring to youngsters C.C. Sabathia, (23), Jason Davis (23), Billy Traber (23), Lee (24) and Jake Westbrook (25), plus veteran Brian Anderson.

''Our doctors have cleared Cliff to start spring training and he’ll probably stay in extended spring training until mid-April and then join a team,’' GM Mark Shapiro said. ''I would not be surprised if he’s in Cleveland and pitching in the starting rotation sometime in the second half of the season.’'

Manager Eric Wedge says he is not ready to discuss how the Indians plan to fit Lee in with Jason Davis, C.C. Sabathia, Billy Traber, Brian Anderson, and Jake Westbrook. The goal is to get a look at everyone while also not wearing out the young arms, so a six-man rotation is one possibility, as is shutting down guys like Davis or Traber earlier in games or in September for good.

Lee has a hernia, which will be surgically repaired after the season. ''I’m healthy,’' he said. ''The abdomen is fine. I’m 100 percent right now, even with the hernia, because the hernia doesn’t hurt. I don’t feel anything. I’ve probably had it for 8-10 years.’' Lee still figures to join the Cleveland rotation soon, especially if Brian Anderson is dealt.

The Indians pulled out a five-run comeback with an 11-run ninth inning, saving Lee from taking the loss. Lee has just one quality start in his last eight outings, but you can’t bench him against the Devil Rays on Sunday.

It’s only fair, we suppose. Lee had been 3-0 despite a 5.58 ERA in his previous five starts. He allowed six hits today, all but one of them a single, and he walked just one batter. Lee, who finished tied for seventh in the AL with 81 walks allowed last year, still hasn’t issued more than three free passes in a game this season.