Cliff Lee Will Start Season On DL

Cleveland Indians pitcher Cliff Lee will start the season on the disabled list because of an abdomen strain. The lefty, who went 14-11 with a 4.40 ERA last season and is 46-24 since 2004, felt the strain in his right abdomen during a throwing session early in spring training. The Indians hope Lee, their No. 3 starter, will at least be able to resume throwing for the final two weeks of training camp. Lee is expected to be out until mid or late April.

Right-hander Fausto Carmona likely will take Lee's spot in the starting rotation, though veteran Paul Byrd or young Jeremy Sowers could be moved into the third spot. Sowers, who went 7-4 in 14 starts after being called up from the minors last June, is listed as the fourth starter. Byrd, 36, who was 10-9 with a 4.88 ERA a year ago, is No. 5.
Source: AP