Link

KANSAS CITY, MO. - Jeremy Guthrie is expected to join the Indians today, and take a key spot in the bullpen.

Guthrie would have been promoted from Class AAA Buffalo sooner. On the same Wednesday night when both Matt Miller and Rafael Betancourt suffered injuries in Baltimore, Guthrie was throwing seven innings (two runs) for Buffalo.

That meant he needed a couple days of rest before he could pitch.

The Indians need Guthrie with Miller headed for elbow surgery on Wednesday. The problem is a tendon, and the Indians are talking about him missing four to six months. It's doubtful that he'll pitch again this season.

Miller's injury is much like the one he had in 2005, sidelining the right-handed reliever from July 15 through the end of the season.

Even a bigger concern than the loss of Miller is Betancourt, who was placed on the disabled list and will be out for three to four weeks with a strained muscle in his upper back near his right shoulder. Betancourt has been one of the Tribe's most reliable relievers in the past three years, compiling a 3.21 ERA in that span.

The right-hander has good control and can do everything from long relief to setting up in the crucial eighth inning.

``Right now, we just have to find a way to get through the next few weeks,'' said General Manager Mark Shapiro. ``Guthrie is throwing better right now than at any point in his career with us. We're anxious to see what he can do.''

Guthrie has started strong at Buffalo, permitting only 10 hits and two runs in 18 innings. He's struck out 12, walked only five and seems to have regained the confidence and form that convinced the Indians to make him their first-round draft pick in 2002.

Guthrie turned 27 on April 9. He signed a four-year, $4.5 million contract, and this is his last year for minor-league options. His minor-league record was an uninspiring 31-31 with a 4.75 ERA heading into this season.

The Indians are obviously invested in him. He has a fastball in the 92- to 94-mph range, along with a slider, curve and change-up. He's pitched 18 innings with the Tribe in the past two years.

But this is his first real opportunity to make an impact and stay, as Miller's spot will be vacant all season. Danny Graves (7.71 ERA, 11 hits, two home runs in seven innings) is struggling and fighting to keep his bullpen job.
Also, there was an update on Sabathia at the bottom of the page.

Thoughts?