CLEVELAND – J.B. Shuck started in center field Sunday after Adam Eaton banged his left (throwing) shoulder diving for a ball Saturday night.
Eaton was getting treatment on the shoulder before the game, but trainer Herm Schneider didn’t believe his leadoff man, who was available off the bench Sunday, would be unavailable to start Monday when the Sox open a four-game series in Boston.
“Talking to Herm it was better to give him a day today and kind of re-assess,’’ Ventura said.
“I expect him to be all right [Monday].’’
Ventura said it was “good news” for Shuck, who is from Ohio.
On the farm
Micah Johnson is hitting .329 with seven homers and 15 doubles in 62 games at AAA Charlotte, and his defense – the reason he got sent down after winning the Opening Day job at second base – has been “really good,’’ assistant general manager Buddy Bell said.
Carlos Sanchez’ defense stabilized the right side of the infield, and now that he’s hitting more like a major leaguer (.357 over his last 12 games), “I’m sure at times Micah feels like what does he have to do to get back up here,’’ Bell said. “Based on what Carlos has done defensively and offensively, it’s kind of a good problem to have.’’
While Johnson’s defense looks better at Charlotte, Bell said “he’s going to have to figure out the speed of the game up here.’’
“I think he can do that, but I think it will take some time and there will be some growing pains.’’
*Charlotte third baseman Matt Davidson, Bell said, has been a pleasant surprise defensively but while hitting 15 homers, isn’t ready for the majors hitting .217
“He continues to go through mechanical changes on his own I think,’’ Bell said. “A lot of is confidence and pushing a little bit too hard. He sees what’s going on here in the big leagues and he wants to speed the process up a little bit and that sets him back.’’
On deck: Danks faces Red Sox
John Danks (5-8, 4.66), who has three scoreless outings in his last four and two since the All-Star break, starts against the Red Sox Monday.
“He’s been our best pitcher since the All-Star break,’’ pitching coach Don Cooper said.
Danks did not allow a walk in his last start, a no-decision in which he struck out five over 6 2/3 innings against the Cardinals. That start began a run of four consecutive starts by Sox starters without a walk.
Here are the probables for Boston:6:10, CSN, 670-AM, 1200-AM
John Danks (5-8, 4.66) vs. Joe Kelly (2-6, 5.74)
Tuesday, 6:10, CSN, 670-AM, 1200-AM
Jeff Samardzija (7-5, 3.91) vs. Wade Miley (8-8, 4.33)
Wednesday: 6:10, CSN, 670-AM, 1200-AM
Jose Quintana (5-9, 3.56) vs. Rick Porcello (5-10, 5.51)
Thursday: 6:10, Ch. 50, 670-AM, 1200-AM
Chris Sale (9-5, 2.85) vs. Steven Wright (3-4, 4.78)
This and that
Sanchez hit his second homer in less than 24 hours, giving the Sox a 1-0 lead against the Indians and right-hander Danny Salazar Sunday. Both shots carried more than 400-feet for the second baseman.
*Infielder Emilio Bonifacio was reinstated from the Bereavement List, and infielder Leury Garcia returned to AAA Charlotte after filling in for two days.
*Pregame instructor Luis Sierra, who was struck near the eye by a batted ball off the bat of Shuck during early batting practice Thursday, did not require surgery as was first expected and returned to Chicago.
