"Grady Sizemore still doesn't like to sit out a game, but his surgically repaired knee dictates that manager Manny Acta give him periodic days off.

Consequently, Sizemore was not the Indians' center fielder Saturday night against the Orioles, even though he seems to be emerging from a lengthy slump.

"It's tough,'' Acta said, referring to Sizemore's absence from the lineup just when he is starting to hit again. "But if we want to get to the promised land, we have to do it. You get in trouble when you forget that you just can't throw him in there every day.''

Sizemore understands the situation, but he doesn't have to like it.

"Am I comfortable with it? No,'' he said. "But I understand that I need to do it. I know you have to protect it [the knee]. I've been banged up for two or three years, so I have to be smart about it.''

Ezequiel Carrera got the start in center and batted ninth.

NO HINTS - Acta wasn't ready to reveal the name of his starter for the first game of Monday's day-night doubleheader in Minnesota until today.

"Fausto [Carmona)] will start the second game,'' he said. "The guy we call up will pitch the first game.''

The most likely candidate is Columbus left-hander David Huff, who started Thursday night and would be pitching on three days' rest. But he only threw three innings (63 pitches) during the outing."