GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta has never been so happy to see one of his players make two quick outs.

Acta wore a smile Sunday after Grady Sizemore played for the first time since May in a 5-3 win over an Arizona Diamondbacks split squad.

``It was great to see him out there,' Acta said. ``After all he's been through, you wouldn't know it by looking at him.'

Advertisement

Serving as the designated hitter, Sizemore grounded out to second base and popped out to center against right-hander Armando Galarraga.

``It felt great to just be on the field,' Sizemore said. ``I was anxious, but not nervous. I would've liked to stay in there and get more at_bats, but I knew going in what the plan was.'

Sizemore had microfracture surgery on his left knee June 4. He expects to play center field Tuesday for the first time since May 16.

``That's the plan,' the three-time All-Star said. ``I felt fine today. No pain.'

Acta said Sizemore will remain in Arizona for extended spring training when the team breaks camp March 29.

That's more news than Sizemore was aware of before the game.

``I've never had an actual timetable because when you look at nine to 10 months of rehab, it is tough to predict when you get to a certain point,' he said. ``I would have liked to be playing earlier than this, but I'm pleased. I hope to start playing every other day.'

Cleveland fans gave Sizemore a loud cheer when he came up in his usual leadoff spot in the first inning. He fouled off the second pitch, then grounded to second, running all the way to first base on the play. In the second, he lofted a fly ball to center, rounded first as the catch was made and returned to the dugout.

As soon as Acta and the Indians breathed a sigh of relief about Sizemore, they became concerned when starting shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, hitting .424, grabbed the back of his right leg after running out a single.

``He's fine,' Acta said after Cabrera left the game. ``He just cramped up. We'll give him a day off (Monday) as a precaution.'

Galarraga allowed five runs over five innings in his longest outing among five spring appearances.

``He had real good stuff, but got out of rhythm,' Arizona pitching coach Charles Nagy said. ``Inconsistency is the big thing with him. When he puts his pitches in the zone, he's good.'

Carlos Rosa, trying to earn a spot in Arizona's bullpen, struck out two in a scoreless inning. He has had six scoreless outings in eight appearances, striking out nine in 8 2-3 innings for a 2.34 ERA.

Cleveland starter Mitch Talbot allowed two earned runs over 5 1-3 innings.

Travis Buck had a two-run double and Luis Valbuena hit his fourth homer for the Indians. Buck, a career outfielder, played first base for the first time. In camp as a non-roster invitee, Buck is hitting .419 and could earn a spot on the opening-day roster.

NOTES: Indians minor league OF Nick Weglarz was sent to Dr. Rick Parker in Cleveland for a second opinion on the diagnosis of torn cartilage in his left knee, sustained Thursday. ... All five Arizona hits were doubles, including the sixth of the spring by 2B Tony Abreu, hitting .354 with eight RBIs. ... Indians INF Adam Everett wore a rubber brace on his left thumb, strained while sliding Saturday. Acta said Everett will try to swing a bat Monday.