GOODYEAR, Ariz.: Indians ace Corey Kluber struck out three in two perfect innings in a 6-2 spring loss to a San Francisco Giants split squad on Saturday.
The 2014 American League Cy Young Award winner is lined up to start on Opening Day. The right-hander went 9-16 last season, but had a 3.49 ERA and 245 strikeouts in 222 innings.
“Kluber was really good. He stayed in his delivery,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “On a day when you look at the scoreboard and it’s not in our favor you go home feeling pretty good because that was two pretty good innings.”
Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford went 0-for-3 while serving as the designated hitter for the split squad.
Crawford has yet to play in the field, with manager Bruce Bochy easing his regulars into games.
“Crawford will get into a game about the middle of next week,” Bochy said.
Junior Arias had two hits and scored two runs for the Giants. Chris Stratton allowed four hits in two scoreless innings.
Josh Tomlin, who is competing for the fifth spot in the Indians’ rotation, pitched two innings after Kluber departed. He was charged with two runs and four hits.
Indians right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall made a diving catch on a sacrifice fly by Rando Mareno. Left fielder Rajai Davis had a diving catch on a sacrifice fly by Matt Duffy.
Trainer’s room
Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is hitting against soft toss. He will be examined by the Indians’ medical staff on Sunday.