Indians Saturday recap: Tribe falls 4-2, after Diamondbacks score 3 in the 1st

The Indians couldn't get much of anything going offensively on Saturday, as the 3-0 hole they fell into in the top of the 1st proved too much to overcome in a 4-2 loss to the Diamondbacks.

It was a bullpen day, which means none of the starting pitchers worked in the game; 8 relievers appeared instead. Frank Herrmann started the game, making his second appearance of spring training after missing all of 2013 due to Tommy John surgery. He gave up a ground-rule double to the first man he faced, and later in the inning Paul Goldschmidt and Martin Prado hit back-to-back home runs. Herrmann exited after recording just 2 outs, having allowed 3 runs on 4 hits. That's the same damage he took on Wednesday, and I think it's safe to say he's not ready yet.

Vinnie Pestano, John Axford, Blake Wood, Marc Rzepczynski, and Josh Outman, all of whom I expect to make the Opening Day roster, each pitched a shutout frame later in the game, continuing what has been a strong Cactus League slate for them.

With those guys holding Arizona at bay, there was plenty of time to comeback for a win, and in the 2nd inning, it looked like the Indians might even things back up in a hurry, as four hits (including doubles from David Murphy and Mike Aviles) plated 2 runs. Only one Indian reached second base over the final 7 innings though, as Diamondbacks southpaw Patrick Corbin settled in and pitched well (he went 6.1 innings, the longest outing I've seen from anyone so far this spring). Nick Swisher and Carlos Santana each continued a slow month at the plate, going 0-3.

(find the full box score here)

The Indians have a split-squad day tomorrow, with some of the guys heading to Mesa to play the Cubs (Justin Masterson will start that one), while others visit Scottsdale to face the Giants (Aaron Harang is the starter there). Both games will begin at 4:05 ET.