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Carmona makes long-awaited return to mound for Indians

Jul 26, 2008 - 11:15 AM Minnesota (55-47) at Cleveland (45-56) 7:05 pm EDT

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- One reason the Cleveland Indians knew they could deal CC Sabathia earlier this month was because they knew Fausto Carmona was likely to return shortly thereafter. With the way the Minnesota Twins have been playing lately, he has a chance to do it in style.

Carmona makes his first start in over two months on Saturday when the Indians continue their three-game set against the struggling Minnesota Twins.

A 19-game winner a season ago, Carmona (4-2, 3.10 ERA) has been on the disabled list since May 24 because of a left hip strain.

While the sinkerballer's absence cannot necessarily be measured in wins and losses, the Indians have posted a 5.03 ERA in the 52 games he has missed as opposed to the 3.64 ERA they recorded in 49 games with Carmona in the rotation.

The righthander, who is 3-2 with a 2.03 ERA in five career starts and four relief appearances against Minnesota, will get a favorable assignment in his return to the mound, taking on a slumping Twins team that has dropped five straight.

However, their best shot to win may be with Scott. Baker (6-3, 3.26), who had his four-game winning streak broken in his last start despite a dominating performance. The righthander held the majors' best offense to one run and two hits with eight strikeouts over eight innings, but was provided no support in Sunday's 1-0 setback to Texas.

Nonetheless, Baker is 4-1 with a 2.70 ERA over his last six starts.