Nationals phenom likely will face Tribe

DETROIT: It's semi-official. The most exalted minor-league pitcher in recent years, Stephen Strasburg, probably will face the Indians in his second major-league start.

The Nationals have announced that the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft will make his big-league debut next Tuesday against the Pirates.

Inasmuch as he would be expected to start again five days later, he should face the Tribe at Progressive Field June 13.

Strasburg, who is pitching at Triple-A Syracuse, is scheduled to make his final minor-league start June 3 against Buffalo. He did not allow an earned run in his first 21 1/3 innings for the Chiefs.

Former Cleveland pitcher Jeriome Robertson, 33, was killed in a motorcycle crash in his hometown of Exeter, Calif. last Saturday when he lost control of his Yamaha Warrior trying to make a turn at 70 mph, according to a report filed by the California Highway Patrol.

Robertson began his brief big-league career with Houston, setting a franchise record for wins by a rookie (15) in 2003. He was traded to the Tribe in spring training of 2004 and compiled a 1-1 record with a 12.21 earned-run average in eight relief appearances. He was traded to the Expos in August.

David Huff continues to be free of concussive symptoms, though he will continue to be watched by the team's training staff for a couple of days. However, he is expected to make his next start on Thursday as planned.

The June 7 game between the Indians and Red Sox has been dropped by ESPN and will be picked up by SportsTime Ohio. First pitch is 7:05 p.m.
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