By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
View full size Chris Carlson / Associated Press Indians shortstop Adam Everett takes a tumble over San Diego's Aaron Cunninghan in the fifth inning, but his relay to first couldn't double up Anthony Rizzo.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Nick Johnson is scheduled to arrive in Goodyear, Ariz., sometime this weekend. When and if he plays in a big-league game for the Indians is another matter.
The minor-league deal he signed with the Indians has a July 1 out clause. If he isn't in the big leagues by then, he can become a free agent. Either way, the Indians are going to have time to make up their mind on the lefty hitting first baseman/DH.
In February he had his third operation within a year on his right wrist. Dr. Thomas Graham , Cleveland Clinic's noted hand surgeon, removed a tendon from Johnson's wrist. In a previous operation, the same tendon had been stabilized, but it continued to cause Johnson pain.
Johnson is probably at least three weeks away from swinging the bat. If the Indians bring him to the big leagues, he'll make $750,000. They can exercise a club option for 2012 worth $2.75 million. He can earn another $1.75 million in plate appearances.
Memorial service: The Indians will hold a public memorial service to celebrate the life of Hall of Famer Bob Feller , who died in December. The service will be held on March 31, the day before the Indians open the regular season at Progressive Field, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights at 11 a.m.
The public is invited. Rev. Conrad Selnick will conduct the service. St. Paul's is located at 2747 Fairmount Blvd.
Numbers, please: Justin Masterson , Matt LaPorta andwere among the 25 players who signed one-year contracts earlier in the week to avoid getting their deals renewed.
As of Wednesday, Carlos Santana, Jeanmar Gomez and Josh Tomlin were the only unsigned players in camp. They have come to terms with the Indians. The team did not have to renew their contracts.
Good workout: Third baseman(left hand) went through a full workout Wednesday and will be in the starting lineup Thursday against the Cubs.
"My hand felt pretty stinking good," said Donald, who has not played since Saturday when he was hit by apitch.
(right elbow) will throw batting practice to(left knee) Friday. Reyes was in the competition for the fifth starter's job, but a sore elbow almost certainly knocked him out of the race. Sizemore, who will not make the opening day roster, could start running the bases this weekend.
Opportunity missed: Jared Goedert came to spring training ready to make an impression. He hit 27 homers in the minors in 2010 and wanted to show the coaching staff that his power was for real.
But in the second game of the Cactus League season, he took a swing against the Reds and strained his right oblique muscle. Hello trainer's room, goodbye opportunity.
"It's frustrating not to be able to go out in spring training and see what I can do," said Goedert. "It was a good opportunity. Now I can only do what I can do to get myself healthy and get out there as soon as I can."
Depending on what happens with the Indians, Goedert could open the season at Class AAA Columbus or Class AA Akron. He played mostly third base last year, but if Lonnie Chisenhall doesn't open the season with the Indians, he could be the Clippers' starting third baseman.
The Indians have talked to Goedert about playing some first base and left field.
Finally: Masterson will face Cubs right-handerat 3:05 p.m. ET Thursday in Mesa, Ariz. Jeanmar Gomez , Frank Herrmann , Joe Martinez , Vinnie Pestano andwill be in the pen. ... The Indians' media consultant met with the players Wednesday to talk about how to deal with the media. The opportunities and dangers presented by the social media was also discussed.
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