Zach McAllister #34 of the Cleveland Indians poses during MLB photo day at the Goodyear Ballpark on February 19, 2013 in Goodyear, Arizona.
Photographer: (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images)
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Posted: 03/10/2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Indians manager Terry Francona has picked Zach McAllister to be the club's No. 4 starter.
McAllister came to camp as the favorite, and the right-hander has not disappointed during workouts and exhibition outings. The 25-year-old, 6-8 in 22 starts for the Indians last season, will be in Cleveland's rotation behind Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez and Brett Myers. The Indians are still looking for a No. 5 starter, with Scott Kazmir, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Carlos Carrasco all in the mix.
David Huff, who had been competing for the fifth spot, will compete for a bullpen role, Francona said.
Francona said it's possible the Indians will open the season with 13 pitchers. They will play 13 straight games to start April without a day off.
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