Jake Westbrook Is Not Enjoying The Minors

Jake Westbrook made his third rehab start for the Lake County Captains, as he tries to work his way back from an abdominal injury. He was good for the first three innings, but then he blew up in the fourth. After it was said and done, Westbrook lasted five innings, allowing four runs and throwing two wild pitches.

It's the third straight rehab start in which Westbrook has struggled. In the three starts he's 1-2 with a 7.90 ERA. Luckily for the Indians and Westbrook, nobody's looking for results in a rehab stint, they're only hoping he can pitch without re-aggravating the injury.

Westbrook is unfazed by his performance.

"I had one bad inning, but it was just me getting behind again a little bit,'' Westbrook said. "Overall, I felt real strong, especially compared to how the last two (starts) went. I just feel a lot better.''

And there it is. The results don't matter because he feels good. This is good news for the Indians, as they've been playing well enough without Westbrook, so now that they're getting their other ace back, things can only improve.

Eric Wedge isn't sure when the Tribe will bring Westbrook back, even though he thinks that Jake could come back now, it's more likely he'll make one more rehab start first. The only person who should consider this bad news is Jeremy Sowers. He's going to lose his spot in the Indians rotation once Westbrook returns, and he could find himself back in the minors.

But he'll be okay, as long as he has Tum Tum.

Previously at The Fanhouse:
Jake Westbrook Has A Bad Tummyache
Jake Westbrook Is Rich