[Buckskin86]

Scott Lewis had two rocky starts after Eric Wedge named him to the Cleveland Indians rotation. Lewis' explanation? He has been having trouble gripping on the ball because of the low humidity in the Arizona desert.

Many pitchers complained about that this spring -- the Tribe's first in Goodyear after 16 spring trainings in Florida -- so it might be a legitimate point. But chances are the former Ohio State star has put himself on a short leash as far as sticking with the big club once the season starts.

Lewis will have one more start in Arizona before he heads north; he will stay there when the team breaks camp and rejoin the Indians in time to pitch the home opener April 10. That start isn't in jeopardy, but if Lewis has another bad start in Arizona and struggles in Cleveland, he might find himself in Columbus in a hurry. With Jeremy Sowers, David Huff and Aaron Laffey on the Clippers' roster, the Indians have depth in starting pitching, and they plan to use it.

The Columbus Dispatch : Bob Hunter commentary: Rumblings