Saturday, May 8, 2010

Cleveland Indians activate Kerry Wood off DL with back healthy

CLEVELAND -- Kerry Wood is eager to finally make his first pitch of the season.

Cleveland Indians activate Kerry Wood off DL with back healthy

Wood

The Cleveland Indians have activated the veteran closer from the disabled list on Friday.

"I'm ready," said Wood, who has been sidelined since straining a muscle in his upper back during spring training, sending him to the DL for the 13th time in his career.

"I feel fine. I've had a lot worse injuries. This one has been more frustrating than painful."

Wood made two rehab appearances for Double-A Akron before being activated.

"We got good reports on him, that's he's throwing well and he's healthy," manager Manny Acta said.

While Wood was out, Chris Perez handled closing duties for the Indians, who have lost four straight and will open a three-game series Friday against Detroit.

To make room for Wood, the Indians optioned right-hander Jensen Lewis to Triple-A Columbus.

"That move was not only based on performance," Acta said. "It was a very tough decision and we told Jensen that. There are some other guys who are out of options and could not be sent down."

Lewis was 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in 10 1/3 innings.

Asdrubal Cabrera was not in the lineup for the third straight game. The Indians' shortstop strained his left quadriceps muscle Monday night.

Barca deny Cesc promiseCleveland Indians’ Kerry Wood ‘looked great’ in bullpen session