Johnny Damon

Johnny Damon hit a home run in one of his two plate appearances Saturday in extended spring training.

Damon played in his first game Friday, making three plate appearances. Indians manager Manny Acta said there’s no timetable for when the veteran will join the big club. “What schedule?” said Acta. “I don’t know. He’s getting in shape, he’s getting at-bats. There’s no such thing as a set schedule. When Johnny is ready … when he’s gotten enough at-bats and played enough outfield there and in Triple-A, he’ll join us. It’s as simple as that.” It seems likely that we’ll see Damon added to the roster in early May.

Johnny Damon told reporters Tuesday that he believes he can be ready to play in a week.

Damon signed a minor league contract with the Tribe this week that carries a $1.25 million salary for the time that he’s in the major leagues. He’s been working out all spring but needs several days to get in game shape. The 38-year-old will function as a part-time left fielder and DH this year.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti confirmed Tuesday that Johnny Damon will get the bulk of his at-bats in left field or at DH.

Travis Hafner is in place as the club’s primary DH, so Damon will be forced to see most of his playing time in left field. It could lead to some epically bad defense, but Damon should still be productive enough offensively to own in most mixed leagues. The early word is that he’ll need about two weeks to get into shape before joining the Indians’ roster.

Indians signed OF/DH Johnny Damon to a minor league contract.

It’s finally official. Assuming Damon is ready to join the Indians in early-May, he’ll make a salary of $1.25 million and could earn an additional $1.4 million in performance-based incentives. The deal also includes a verbal opt-out agreement if he isn’t getting enough at-bats. Of course, that shouldn’t be much of an issue as long as Grady Sizemore (back) remains on the disabled list. Damon will be a liability defensively in left field, but he’s a borderline play in most mixed fantasy leagues.

Indians signed OF Johnny Damon to a one-year, $1.25 million contract.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer has confirmed the deal, which includes another possible $1.4 million in incentives. The deal reportedly includes some no-trade provisions, and an out-clause based on “if and when Grady Sizemore comes off the disabled list.” Once Damon gets his bat up to speed in extended spring training or some minor league games, he’s expected to platoon with Shelley Duncan in left field. It’s unlikely he’ll need more than a week to get ready.