Scott

Lewis

Lewis allowed just three hits in one of his longest outings of the year. The Indians have been very careful with the 22-year-old because of his history of arm problems, which is why he finished with all of three wins despite a 1.48 ERA in 26 starts this season.

Too bad. Lewis was once a top prospect in the organization and even won his first four major league starts in 2008, but missed most of last season due to elbow and forearm problems. The 26-year-old lefty was 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA over his first three starts with Triple-A Columbus this season before coming down with yet another elbow injury.

Fortunately, Lewis waited until after being named the Indians’ fourth starter to turn in a stinker. In his defense, the wind was blowing out at 20 mph today, which surely had some effect on the three homers he gave up.

Lewis allowed no hits, no walks, and struck out three. It was his first live action since he was placed on the disabled list in early April. A few more outings like that and the Indians are sure to green light him toward the big leagues. Look for him in a Tribe uniform before the end of June.

Lewis will be limited to 50 pitches in his first rehab outing. He was transferred to the 60-day disabled list in mid-May after suffering a setback in his strained left forearm. He’s hoping to return before the end of June.

The team doesn’t believe Lewis will need surgery, but they want to pick Andrews’ brain on avenues for getting him “over the hump.” Lewis recently pulled himself from a rehab start after experiencing discomfort in his left elbow.

Anthony Reyes is the real No. 4 -- actually, he’s the real No. 3 -- but he’ll go in the fifth game so that the Indians won’t be throwing lefties back-to-back with Lewis and Cliff Lee. With Lewis in the rotation, Aaron Laffey will open the season in Triple-A. Zach Jackson still has a chance to make the Indians as a middle reliever. Lewis makes for a very intriguing late-round pick in AL-only leagues.

He had been scheduled to start Wednesday’s game in Kansas City, but will instead go for an MRI exam today. The Indians have not yet announced their plans for who will start in his place against the Royals, though Aaron Laffey is the logical choice.

Lewis held the Jays scoreless over the first three innings, but served up two meatballs after that; one to Adam Lind and one to the mighty Marco Scutaro. After an awful end to the spring, Lewis may already be on thin ice. A few more bad outings and he could easily be replaced by Aaron Laffey.

Lewis said afterwards that he was having a tough time gripping the ball. It’s lucky for Lewis that the Indians settled on their rotation a week ago, as he’s had two poor outings since. There’s no way the Indians will change their minds before Opening Day, but if Lewis struggles in his first two regular-season starts, then the team could go right to Aaron Laffey.