Rays/MLB

Up next: Indians

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published August 18, 2006

UP NEXT: INDIANS

WHAT'S NEWS: Cleveland is rebuilding. MLB.com reported it had 11 rookies in uniform Wednesday and 12 players had been added since season's start. There has been so much change (it has the second-youngest roster in the majors after the Marlins), there is little expectation a bunch of minor-leaguers will be called up Sept. 1, when rosters can expand. As manager Eric Wedge told the Web site, "They're already here."

INJURIES: Pitcher Matt Miller (right elbow) and outfielder Casey Blake (right ankle) are on the disabled list.

KEEP IN MIND: The Indians entered Thursday third in the majors with 647 runs and had scored at least nine runs in a major-league high 23 games.

WHO'S HOT: In his past 31 games, Grady Sizemore is batting .325 (38-for-117) with three home runs and 12 RBIs and has hits in 25. He has played in every game this season and entering Thursday led the AL with 97 runs and 66 extra-base hits, and was second with 39 doubles.

WHO'S NOT: Third baseman Aaron Boone is batting .125 (3-for-24) with a homer in his past 11 games.

SERIES: The first of two meetings. The Indians lead 41-23 and 19-11 at Tropicana Field.

[Last modified August 18, 2006, 02:35:08]