CLEVELAND — In a predictable decision Saturday, Cliff Lee was named the American League’s pitcher of the month.
Lee, off to arguably the fastest start of any pitcher in the majors, has won his first five starts, while posting a microscopic 0.96 ERA to lead the big leagues. The left-hander allowed just one run through his first four outings, beginning a scoreless innings streak that ended at 27 Wednesday in an 8-3 victory over the Mariners.
“It’s nice, but I’m more concerned with my team winning games,” Lee said of receiving the award. “We’ve got a long ways to go.
“Things have been going my way. It all comes from locating my pitches, being efficient and working ahead in the count.”
Lee’s sparkling April effort came on the heels of a disappointing 2007 season. He began it on the disabled list and never regained the form he displayed as a staple of Cleveland’s rotation from 2004-06.
What’s been the difference this year?
“At the top of the list is the way he’s commanded his fastball,” said manager Eric Wedge. “His focus and concentration have been tremendous, as well.”   
The award has gone to Indians pitchers the past two times, with Fausto Carmona winning it during the final month of the regular season last year.
If Lee’s success continues, he would likely be a candidate for the American League’s comeback player of the year award.

Rotation roundup

The Indians have yet to announce a make-up date for the postponed series opener with Kansas City on Friday, moving their rotation back a day, rather than reshuffling the starting staff.
That means C.C. Sabathia started Saturday night and will be followed by Aaron Laffey in today’s series finale against the Royals at 1:05.
Fausto Carmona is scheduled to open a series against the Yankees in New York on Tuesday (7:05) with Lee slated to go Wednesday, while Paul Byrd pitches the finale on Thursday at 1:05.

Rallying reliever

Wedge has begun to trust Masa Kobayashi in late-game situations out of the bullpen, with the right-hander responding in positive fashion. Kobayashi (2-0, 1.88) had allowed just two earned runs over his last 10 appearances, with 10 of his 13 outings scoreless ones.
“It’s been a gradual thing with him, it was this spring,” Wedge said. “Any time you have a guy step up and show you what you can count on getting from him, it’s a plus. You don’t close out 200 games in Japan without a heartbeat to pitch in those late situations, and that’s shown through.”
Kobayashi, a veteran of nine professional seasons in Japan, said the language barrier was a problem early, but that he has begun to adapt to his new surroundings and catchers Victor Martinez and Kelly Shoppach.
“There were some problems with communication during spring training,” he said through an interpreter. “It’s becoming more comfortable.”

Roundin’ third

Martinez is off to hot offensive start, batting .352 and riding a 14-game hitting streak, but he’s also doing the job behind the plate, throwing out a league-high 37.5 percent (6-of-16) of the runners attempting to steal on him.
• First baseman Michael Aubrey, Cleveland’s top pick (11th overall) in the 2003 draft, made his Triple-A debut Friday, going 1-for-4 with two RBIs in the Bisons’ 10-3 loss to Charlotte. The oft-injured Aubrey hit .277 with two homers and 16 RBIs in 24 games for Double-A Akron.
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. 

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