His last two starts have come up against Detroit Tiger ace Justin Verlander, who has owned the Tribe so far this season. Verlander, who used to struggle against the Indians , pitched a two hitter Friday, striking out 11 and getting a little help from his friends.

Grady Sizemore sent a ball over the center field fence for what would have been a game-winning, two-run home run in the ninth inning.

Yet it is only ?what would have been thanks to Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson, who reached over the wall and brought it back with a leaping catch.

Per MLB.com:

Curtis Granderson saved this game. Justin Verlander owned it.

HELP ON THE WAY?SORT OF

The Indians have signed former Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Luis Vizcaino to a minor league deal.

Vizcaino, a right hander, was designated for assignment by the Cubs on April 23 and eventually released. Before that he worked 3.2 scoreless innings this season for the Cubs.

For his 11-year career he carries a 34-27 record with a 4.31 ERA.

In 532 relief appearances over his 11-year career with the As, Brewers, White Sox, Diamondbacks, Yankees, Rockies and Cubs, the 34-year-old Vizcaino is 34-27 with a 4.31 ERA. He missed two months with a right shoulder injury last year and posted a 5.28 ERA in 43 appearances out of the Colorado ?pen.

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

Plain Dealer beat writer Paul Hoynes checked in with Matt LaPorta?

recalled from Class AAA Columbus on May 2, was 2-for-13 in four games entering Friday.

?The pitchers up here dont miss a lot, he said. ?The fastballs are faster, the breaking pitches are sharper. And the strikes are on the corners. Its been an adjustment, but its coming along.

Newstex ID: 34786311