Indians manager Manny Acta acknowledged Friday that David Huff will likely have to begin the season on the disabled list. Huff strained his right hamstring Thursday while pitching in a split-squad game. Now that he's essentially eliminated from the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, Acta will have to decide between either Kevin Slowey or Jeanmar Gomez. He is expected to make an announcement Saturday.

David Huff suffered a strained right hamstring Thursday while pitching in a split-squad time. Rough timing for Huff, who has been trying to win the final spot in the Indians' starting rotation. He's now likely to open the regular season on the disabled list.

Indians manager Manny Acta indicated that David Huff could make the team as a long reliever. The Indians have said on multiple occasions they will ''get creative'' with assembling the roster, and currently have two available bullpen jobs. Huff had a 4.09 ERA in 10 starts last season. He is one of the three candidates being considered for the final spot in Cleveland's rotation.

David Huff threw two scoreless innings Saturday in the Indians' Grapefruit League opener against the Reds. Huff struck out one and issued no walks. He's a longshot for the Indians' starting rotation after registering a 4.09 ERA and 1.42 ERA in 11 outings last season.

David Huff gave up two runs over 5 2/3 innings as part of a no-decision in a win over the Twins on Saturday. He scattered eight hits while striking out a career-high seven, walking none and throwing two wild pitches. Huff pitched well after being called up from the minors in mid-July, posting a respectable 4.09 ERA and 36/17 K/BB ratio over 50 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old left-hander should battle for the final spot in the starting rotation during spring training next season.

David Huff was lit up again Monday, surrendering nine runs -- five earned -- in 2 2/3 innings in a loss to Seattle. To the Mariners of all teams? Huff has allowed 17 runs in his last two starts, though since only eight of them were earned, his ERA remains respectable at 4.20. He's not helping his case for 2012 with four losses in a row.

David Huff allowed eight runs (three earned) in just four innings on Wednesday, falling to 2-5 in Cleveland's loss in Texas. Huff allowed all eight of his runs in the bottom of the fourth, but only three were earned thanks to a two-out Lonnie Chisenhall error. With three runs already across the plate, Chisenhall kicked a ball at third, allowing Ian Kinsler to load the bases with two outs. Elvis Andrus then delivered a run with an infield single before Josh Hamilton emptied the bases with his third career grand slam. Tonight was the first time in four outings Huff failed to complete six innings of work. He'll look to bounce back against the Mariners on Monday.

David Huff pitched well in a no-decision Thursday, giving up three runs on five hits and two walks over 6 1/3 innings in a loss to the White Sox. Huff left with the game tied 1-1, but Frank Herrmann quickly served up a three-run homer to let both of Huff's inherited runners score, and Josh Judy wound up allowing a grand slam later in the inning. Though he's had a couple hiccups of late, Huff has pitched surprisingly well since being called up at the beginning of the second half, posting a 3.05 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over eight outings. He'll get the Rangers next week.

David Huff bounced back with a terrific outing Monday, tossing six scoreless innings on three hits and two walks in a 2-1 win over the Athletics. Huff was blasted for five runs over just 2 1/3 innings his last time out, but other than that he's been surprisingly effective, posting a nifty 2.08 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over six games - five starts. We're inclined to believe it's mostly a fluke, but he's done well enough to be trusted in single-league formats. Huff gets another good matchup this weekend against the Royals.

Two days after rain cut short his start, David Huff surrendered the game-winning hit in a 14th inning loss to the White Sox. Huff was called to the mound with runners on first and third and one out. Brent Morel promptly stole second, and Juan Pierre followed with the walkoff single. Huff threw only three pitches and remains in line to start this weekend.