A key piece in the CC Sabathia has been spotted.

Matt LaPorta, a former first base-outfielder prospect looking for a career jolt, is using the arid Arizona air to rehab a nagging hip injury with the Indians' rookie-league team. LaPorta started the rehab assignment on July 13 and appears ready to return to Triple-A Columbus.

He's hitting .545 in four games. LaPorta went 3-for-4 with a homer, two doubles and five RBI on Friday.

LaPorta missed all of April before hitting .235 in 22 games. He hasn't played for the Clippers since June 3.

The 28-year-old LaPorta is no longer on the Indians' 40-man roster -- or a prospect. But as long he's playing in their farm system, LaPorta will spark interest. Productive Indians outfielder Michael Brantley and Double-A Akron reliever Rob Bryson were also involved in the trade.

LaPorta has appeared in 292 major-league games since being traded in 2008.

-- Guy Cipriano | @newsheraldguy