GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - Ryan Raburn played the field for the first time since running into an outfield wall and homered Monday as the Cleveland Indians beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-3.
Raburn also had a sacrifice fly while driving in three runs. He made a nice play at first base, too, on a low liner by Brayan Pena.
Raburn had been limited to designated hitter duty since crashing into the right-field wall on March 7.
Lonnie Chisenhall found out earlier in the morning that he had earned a spot on the Indians’ opening-day roster. He celebrated with his second homer this spring, connecting off starter Alfredo Simon.
“Simon ran a little hot and cold today,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “He made some great pitches. He had a really good sinker. He threw the cutter-slider hybrid pitch he has. That was the best I’ve seen it this spring. When he gets in trouble he tries to get more movement. He doesn’t need to do that.”
Simon will pitch in the Reds’ rotation to start the season. He last started a game for Baltimore in 2011.
Jay Bruce had two hits, including an RBI double off Indians starter Carlos Carrasco.
Carrasco allowed three runs and nine hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked none.
“The last inning they scored two runs but I finished the inning strong,” Carrasco said. “There were runners on second and third. I just wanted to throw strikes. Just let it go.”
Carrasco struck out the last batter he faced.
Jason Kipnis hit a three-run homer off J.J. Hoover, who is one of the Reds’ options for the closer role with Aroldis Chapman recovering from being hit above the eye by a line drive.
STARTING TIME
Indians: Carrasco is trying to earn the open fifth spot in the rotation. His competitor, Josh Tomlin, is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Rangers.
Carrasco, who started last season in the Indians’ rotation, had a 5.59 ERA over 9 2-3 spring innings coming into the game against the Reds. He allowed eight runs in 2 2-3 innings in his previous outing.
“I brought my arm up a little bit. It made a difference. I saw pictures.” Carrasco said.
Reds: Simon allowed four runs, three earned, and six hits in five innings in his sixth spring start. Simon will replace injured Mat Latos in the Reds’ rotation. Simon started 16 games for Baltimore in 2011 but none for the Reds the last two seasons.
“I am excited to be a starter here,” Simon said. “I threw 91 pitches. I like to throw a lot of innings. I want to show them (Reds) that I can be a starter.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Indians: Center fielder Michael Bourn will miss at least four regular-season games with a tight left hamstring. He is running bases in camp but will start the season on the disabled list. … Infielder Justin Sellers is receiving treatment on a right hip flexor but played against the Reds.
Reds: Latos (elbow and knee), Homer Bailey (groin) and Jonathan Broxton pitched in minor league games. Latos and Broxton will start the season on the disabled list but Bailey’s injury is minor. Bailey is expected to open the season in the rotation.
Latos tossed three scoreless innings for Double-A Pensacola. Bailey allowed five earned runs in 4 2-3 innings for Triple-A Louisville. Broxton pitched a scoreless inning for Pensacola.
“It looked like it went OK.” Price said. “Homer’s line wasn’t great but it sounded like he was healthy. The ball came out good and he didn’t have any issues. Latos and Broxton threw the ball well. If we can come through this tomorrow and everyone feels good it will be a good day.”
DH CONFUSION
The Indians’ original lineup featured Nick Swisher as the designated hitter. The Indians, who share the Goodyear facility with Cincinnati, realized the Reds were the home team, meaning the game would be played under National League rules with the pitcher hitting. Swisher finished his work and went home for the day. The Reds gave the Indians permission to use the DH.
Minor leaguer Nick Hamilton was told 15 minutes before the game that he would be the DH. Hamilton is the son of Tom Hamilton, who has broadcast Indians games for 25 years.
“It was a lot of fun. I was grateful for the opportunity to get a taste of playing in the big leagues,” said Nick Hamilton, who went 0 for 4. “It is something I can learn from and build on.”
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