(GOODYEAR, Ariz.) – The Cleveland Indians open up Cactus League exhibition play on Friday afternoon at 3:05 pm ET when they take on the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. It will mark the first game under new manager Terry Francona.

Francona announced his lineup for Friday’s Cactus League opener on Thursday morning at the Tribe’s player development complex. Here it is:

1. Michael Bourn CF

2. Asdrubal Cabrera SS

3. Jason Kipnis 2B

4. Nick Swisher 1B

5. Michael Brantley LF

6. Carlos Santana C

7. Mark Reynolds DH

8. Lonnie Chisenhall 3B

9. Drew Stubbs RF

Left-hander Giovanni Soto will start on the mound for the Indians. Soto is not a serious candidate to make the starting rotation, however he is a prospect that will also be pitching for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. Francona said the fact that Soto is starting the Cactus League game could help him when the WBC rolls around.

Other Indians pitchers expected to throw in Friday’s Cactus League opener against the Reds include Vinnie Pestano, Joe Martinez, Rich Hill, Matt Langwell, Fernando Nieve and Frank Herrmann.

Justin Masterson talks with Nick Swisher (left) following his live batting practice session in Goodyear. Photo courtesy Nick Camino.

The Tribe squares off with the Reds again on Saturday at 3:05 pm ET at Goodyear Ballpark. The lineup for that contest has not yet been released, however new right-hander Brett Myers will start for the Indians. Myers will be followed up by closer Chris Perez, Corey Kluber, Matt Albers, Scott Barnes, Edward Paredes and Bryan Shaw.

Newsradio WTAM 1100, the Indians flagship station, will carry both games on Friday and Saturday.

- Nick Camino