Indians lose to Angels as Josh Tomlin and C.C. Lee struggle

Angels 4, Indians 3

Offensively for the Tribe, this was not a particularly notable game, as they managed just four hits, with only two of them coming from players (Michael Bourn and David Murphy) expected to make the 25-man roster. Bradley Zimmer, LGT's choice as the #3 prospect in the farm system, hit a double, so that's fun, but there just wasn't much to shout about in terms of the lineup's production, despite them taking a 3-2 lead.

On the pitching side of things, Nick Hagadone continued his strong spring with another shutout inning (he's yet to be charged with a run), but for two others with hopes of spending much of their summer in Cleveland, today was not so rosy.

Josh Tomlin, a longshot to make the rotation but someone technically still in the race entering play today, probably saw whatever slim chance he had left evaporate in the midday heat. In 4 innings of work Tomlin allowed 9 hits, including a home run. Tomlin has always been good about not walking guys, and in 2014 he posted easily the highest strikeout rate of his MLB career, but the home run has been a problem for him, as have other hard-hit balls. If you buy into the principles of FIP (fielding independent pitching) fully, Tomlin was something like an average starter in 2014, but if you believe some pitchers are more prone to line drive singles and doubles than others, Tomlin is probably someone on your list.

I like him just fine as rotation depth, and I think that's exactly what he's going to be. I'd bet on him starting some games for the Indians this year, but not many.

The Indians were still ahead 3-2 in the bottom of the 7th, but C.C. Lee's rough spring continued, as he gave up a line drive double that tied the game, then had that runner score on a sacrifice fly. The double was the only especially well-hit ball of the inning, but in a bullpen with more players than available spots, Lee (now sporting a 5.14 ERA) has not done anything to make himself stand out in a good way. Like Tomlin, I think he's destined to spend most of the upcoming season with the Clippers.

The Indians will host their Goodyear roommates the Reds at 4:05 ET on Thursday. Danny Salazar is scheduled to start. He's likely only got two more chances to make his case for being in the rotation come Opening Day, so tomorrow will be a big day for him.