Indians send Huff, AL loss leader, to minors

6/22/2010

PHILADELPHIA - David Huff, leading the American League in losses, was optioned to Class AAA Columbus yesterday after losing his ninth game in 13 starts Saturday night.

The Indians are to name his replacement today before opening a three-game series against the Phillies. They are mulling at least three options: left-hander Aaron Laffey, right-hander Carlos Carrasco, and right-hander Joe Smith.

Laffey and Carrasco are starting at Columbus. Laffey opened the season in the Indians' bullpen, but was optioned May 30 to get stretched out so he could join the rotation if the Indians ran into problems. Huff going 2-9 with a 6.04 ERA and a .310 batting average against would be considered a problem.

In four starts at Columbus, Laffey has pitched only 201/3 innings. He's 0-1 with a 3.98 ERA.

Carrasco has been in Columbus all year. He's 5-3 with a 4.22 ERA in 12 starts. He's struck out 63, walked 25 and allowed 74 hits in 742/3 innings. He's allowed 10 homers.

The Indians wouldn't need Laffey or Carrasco until Friday against Cincinnati. If that's the case, they could promote Smith to help their battered bullpen. Smith opened the year with the Tribe, but was optioned April 30.

Last year, Huff led the Indians with 11 victories as a rookie.

NOTES: Former Indians Richie Sexson and Bob Seeds will be inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame on July 18. ... The Indians reportedly have no interest in second baseman Aki Iwamura, who was designated for assignment by the Pirates. When Iwamura left Japan for the big leagues, the Indians tried to sign him.