Published: March 26, 2009 12:01 am      

Laffey sent to minors

Former area starndout loses battle for spot on Indians staff, will start year at Triple-A

MIKE BURKE

Times-News Staff Writer

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — A tough Tuesday outing in a minor-league game didn’t help his cause at all, and on Wednesday Allegany High School’s Aaron Laffey was informed by the Cleveland Indians he would at least begin the season at Triple-A Columbus as fellow Cleveland left-hander Scott Lewis was awarded the final spot in the Indians’ rotation, and will break spring training with the major-league club.

Laffey, who appeared to be the only challenger left between Lewis and the fifth starter’s job once Jeremy Sowers was demoted on Tuesday, was knocked around by Class AAA Charlotte, the White Sox’s top farm club the same day. Laffey allowed four runs on six hits in two innings, striking out one and throwing between 87 and 88 mph. He is said to have been inconsistent this spring with his sinker.

For the spring, Laffey is 1-2 in five starts, with a 6.92 ERA. In 13 innings he has given up 15 hits, 10 earned runs, has hit one batter, walked four and struck out nine.

Lewis told the Cleveland Plain Dealer he’d pitch the fourth game of the season, which would be the Tribe’s home opener against Toronto on April 10. Anthony Reyes will reportedly pitch in the fifth spot to give him some extra rest.

The rotation is expected to be left-hander Cliff Lee, right-hander Fausto Carmona, right-hander Carl Pavano, left-hander Lewis and right-hander Reyes.

This spring Lewis is 1-1 with a 3.52 ERA in five Cactus League appearances, including one start. He has 12 strikeouts and six walks in 15 1-3 innings. He’s allowed six earned runs and the opposition is hitting .241 against him.

“It says a great deal about Lewis in reference to what he did in big-league camp,” manager Eric Wedge told the Plain Dealer. “I told him today that he came in and won the job from people who have had, or will have, a lot of success in the big leagues.”

Mike Burke is sports editor of the Cumberland Times-News. Contact Mike Burke at mburke@times-news.com.