WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) _ Kenny Lofton reached base three times and scored twice in his first action this spring and Richie Sexson hit a two-run homer Saturday, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 7-3 win over the Detroit Tigers.

Lofton underwent shoulder surgery in December and wasn't expected to be back with the Indians until the All-Star break. But to nearly everyone's surprise, the six-time All-Star center fielder was back in the Indians' lineup, going 1-for-3 with a single, two walks and a strikeout.

He had been limited to about 25 at-bats in minor league games during training camp before batting leadoff as the Indians' designated hitter against the Tigers.

``It was nice to get back on the big field,'' Lofton said.

Lofton began a throwing program earlier this month to strengthen the rotator cuff he tore while diving headfirst into first base during last year's playoffs against Boston.

He can throw a ball about 150 feet on a line, but he isn't well enough to play center yet. But with the way he's progressing, it appears Lofton may begin the regular season on Cleveland's 25-man roster.

``He's getting close to playing, but we don't want to have a setback,'' said Indians manager Charlie Manuel.

Manuel said Lofton will DH again on Sunday, and could play in center field when the Indians play the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.

Chuck Finley became the second Indians pitcher to go at least six innings this spring, allowing three runs and six hits. He walked one and struck out five.

Jacob Cruz added a homer and Manny Ramirez had two RBIs for the Indians.

Deivi Cruz homered for the Tigers.

Sexson snapped a 2-2 tie in the fourth inning by connecting for his fifth homer, a towering shot to left-center field off Detroit's C.J. Nitkowski that struck a Pepsi sign.

After Finley pitched out of a two-on, none-out jam in the fifth, Deivi Cruz opened the sixth with his first homer.

Detroit starter C.J. Nitkowski took the loss, allowing six runs and eight hits in 3 2-3 innings.

Notes: Manuel said Bartolo Colon would start the Indians regular-season opener in Baltimore on April 3. ... Cleveland trimmed its roster by five, optioning right-handers Jim Brower and Justin Speier and outfielder Dave Roberts to Triple-A Buffalo, and re-assigning pitcher Jamie Brewington and catcher Matt Nokes. The Indians also placed right-hander David Riske on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc in his lower back. ... Former Indians owner Dick Jacobs, who sold the team to Larry Dolan earlier this year, attended the game along with Cavaliers president Wayne Embry. ... Mark McGwire was scheduled to make the trip over from Jupiter when the St. Louis Cardinals play the Indians here on Sunday. It is a sellout.