Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead. You Oughta Know ...
That Matt LaPorta has arrived. LaPorta, the key player the Indians got in exchange for CC Sabathia last year, finally donned an Indians uniform on Saturday. LaPorta did not get into the game in his first day in the big leagues, but Tribe fans are certainly going to be eager to see him when he does.
LaPorta, 24, was the seventh overall pick in the 2007 draft. He is a big-time slugger, considered one of the top hitting prospects in baseball. LaPorta has played outfield and first base. The Indians could use him at either of those spots, or at DH in place of the injured Travis Hafner.
LaPorta was one of three players the Indians called up in a roster shakeup. They also added outfielder Luis Valbuena and veteran David Delluci, perhaps waking up the slumping team..
"We're not trying to send a message," manager Eric Wedge said. "But our players are smart. They know what's going on. We're not afraid to make changes. We feel we've got the players to be a pretty good ballclub. But if we can get help from Triple-A, we're going to do that, too."From The Trainers' Room ...
Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun was unavailable on Saturday because of back tightness, and he's not sure he'll be able to play on Sunday either. Braun has been dogged by back problems since last August. Although the problems keep cropping up, Braun said he's not concerned.
Numbers Game ...
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones made two errors, the first time since June 26, 2001 that he had made two errors in a game at third. His last two-error game was as a left fielder in 2003.
In Their Own Words ...
"Our big horses have got to hit. If they don't hit, the wagon don't move! We've got Clydesdales. Our Clydesdales have got to pull the wagon." -- Astros manager Cecil Cooper, on the lack of production from Lance Berkman and Hunter Pence so far this year. Berkman later homered and Pence had three hits to lead the Astros to a victory.
Advance Scouting ...
Indians lefty Cliff Lee and Tigers righty Justin Verlander were both opening day starters, but both started the season badly. The two have since turned things around, and they'll square off against each other (1:05 PM ET) at Detroit.
