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Carlos Carrasco is probably going to make the club one way or the other, as he's out of options, but today's six solid innings could earn him a spot in the rotation. Pitching against the regulars of one of the better offensive clubs in the National League, Carlos pitched six innings, allowing three runs on nine hits, and striking out five (without walking a batter). Carrasco got into trouble twice, once in the fourth and again in the sixth, but both times limited the damage.
Earlier in the day both Aaron Harang and Trevor Bauer were told that they wouldn't be making the club (see here for more details), so that meant that it was between Carrasco and Josh Tomlin for that final rotation spot. Tomlin will be pitching tomorrow for the Indians against the Rangers, and will have his chance to make a further impression to the coaching staff and front office.
Earlier in the day both Lonnie Chisenhall and Nyjer Morgan were told that they were making the team, and both responded with nice offensive days. Chisenhall hit a two-run home run in the second inning while Morgan doubled and scored a run. Chisenhall won't necessary be the everyday starter at third (the rotation between he and Carlos Santana was yet to be finalized), but he should be getting regular playing time at least initially.
The Tribe offense scored four runs off Cincinnati starter Alfred Simon and three more off closer J.J. Hoover (who will take over for injured Aroldis Chapman), and four relievers held the Reds scoreless over the last three innings. One of those relievers was Blake Wood, who is getting very close to locking up a spot in the bullpen.
The Reds were the "home" team today, so they elected to bat their pitcher in the lineup, although they did allow the Indians to utilize the DH. The Indians gave that unexpected spot in the lineup to Nick Hamilton, who was brought in from minor-league camp for the day. Nick is the son of Indians play-by-play announcer Tom Hamilton, and Tom took the game off to watch his son from the Goodyear Ballpark stands. Nick went 0-for-4 in his Cactus League debut, but I doubt either he or Tom really cared about that.
Next up: Josh Tomlin faces in the Rangers in his final audition for the rotation. Game time is 4:00 PM.