JOSH WEIR
CLEVELAND — Calling Jensen Lewis the potential closer for next year is a stretch, even if he seems to thriving in the role presently.
Asked about his chances after a gutsy save of Sunday’s 4-3 win against the Angels, Lewis deferred that decision to the powers-that-be. He’s just focused on making the most of this default opportunity.
“If they call my name in the ninth (tonight) I’ll be ready to go,” he said as the Indians open a three-game series against the Royals tonight at Progressive Field.
Lewis has converted all three of his save chances since being moved into the closer’s role. Along with Rafael Perez, he’s been one of the few positives in a wretched bullpen. Lewis hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last eight appearances.
Manager Eric Wedge was impressed by Lewis’ performance Sunday but stopped short of saying the Cincinnati native has become any serious contender for the ’09 closer.
While Lewis doesn’t possess a triple digits-threatening fastball, he has a bulldog mentality that is perfectly suited for closing.
“He’s got the demeanor for it,” catcher Sal Fasano said. “He’s an upbeat guy and thrives on competition. Whether he pitches a good game or bad game, you see the same guy.”
Lewis, who has lowered his overall ERA to 3.91, is clearly enjoying himself.
“This is awesome,” Lewis said Sunday. “When you’re in the bullpen, this is what you want, the opportunity to get the last out, shake hands and send everybody home happy.”
n COSTLY WIN — Indians minor leaguer Matt LaPorta was struck in the ear hole with a pitch from China’s Zheng Xu during Team USA’s 9-1 win Monday in the Olympics. According to the United States Olympic Committee, LaPorta was diagnosed with a mild concussion and will be monitored daily.
LaPorta was one of seven hit batsmen in the emotional game, which included LaPorta running over Chinese catcher Wang Wei.
n BETTER BATS — The Indians are batting .286 (345-for-1,205) over their last 34 games, averaging 5.5 runs.
“We’re carrying a lot more confidence to the plate,” said David Dellucci, who is hitting .323 in his last 28 games. “We’re going up there expecting to get a hit, not hoping to get a hit, and that’s a completely different approach than we had early in the year.”
Some of the hotter hitters include Ryan Garko (.406 in his last nine games), Ben Francisco (.362 in his last 17 games) and Asdrubal Cabrera (.323 in his last 20 games).
n TURNING POINT — Dellucci pointed to the July 10 game against Tampa Bay as the turning point. In the midst of an eight-game losing streak, the Indians fell behind 2-0 in the third inning. But a five-run fifth inning sparked Cleveland to a 13-2 win.
“That was the one day that the light bulb went off,” he said. “Guys got confidence back in themselves and this offense.”
