WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) _ C.C. Sabathia, the 20-year-old phenom who may have won a spot in Cleveland's starting rotation this season, sure looked ready for the majors Saturday as the Indians beat the Houston Astros 5-2.

Making his second start in an ``A'' game this spring, Sabathia allowed two runs and seven hits _ six singles _ in five innings. He also walked one, struck out six, broke a few Houston bats and made big pitches when he needed to.

``When I came to camp I didn't even know if I could pitch at the big league level,'' said the left-hander. ``But I feel like I can pitch in the major leagues now.''

The Indians have a week to decide if they should have Sabathia, who has never started in a regular-season game higher than Double-A, begin the season as their No. 4 starter or send him back to the minors.

They could also use him as a spot starter or as a reliever.

``I ain't saying,'' Indians manager Charlie Manuel said after watching Sabathia handle the Astros. ``I don't want to give my hand away. I'm battling for C.C. He could definitely be in my rotation or as a No. 5 guy.

``There's a lot of things we can do. C.C. has a chance to be a very special pitcher.''

Perhaps too pumped up, Sabathia was overthrowing his fastball early. But by the third inning he settled in and began working his 97 mph fastball on both sides of the plate.

Sabathia (1-1) gave up both runs in the fourth on bloop RBI singles by Chris Truby and Glen Barker but struck out the side in the inning. He ended his outing by picking Lance Berkman off first base in the fifth.

``That was the highlight of my day,'' Sabathia said. ``I've never picked anybody off ever.''

Astros manager Larry Dierker took note of the number of bats splintered by Sabathia.

``It was a good day for Louisville (Slugger),'' Dierker said.

Russell Branyan hit his league-leading eighth homer and Marty Cordova had two hits and two RBIs for the Indians.

Despite batting .454 (15-of-33) this spring, Cordova may be left off the Indians' roster.

``Marty's had a great spring,'' Manuel said. ``I like him. Who knows? If things break right for him he could make it.''

Astros starter Jose Lima (1-2) allowed three runs and four hits in six innings.

Bob Wickman struck out two in the ninth to earn his first spring save.

Notes: RHP Shane Reynolds, who tore a knee ligament while jogging during the offseason, pitched batting practice for the first time this spring on Saturday and is scheduled to make his first exhibition appearance by pitching one inning of relief on Monday against Toronto. The club is hoping Reynolds, who has won 42 games the past three seasons, will be ready by mid-April. ... 3B Travis Fryman fielded grounders during batting practice and said his injured elbow was feeling better. Fryman has a partially torn ligament in his elbow and could begin the year on the disabled list. ... Astros reliever Mike Jackson threw pain-free during a bullpen session. He strained his right biceps last week.