Cleveland Indians Playoffs: 5 Bold Predictions For The ALCS

Salazar’s Impact Will Be Seen Early And Often

The great thing is that starting pitcher Danny Salazar looks to be back. Placing Salazar in the Indians’ starting rotation would alleviate some of the pressure, but pitching out of the bullpen will be more beneficial.

Salazar is not going to pitch as well as say ace Corey Kluber, but his impact will be very close to something we would see out of the “Klubot”. Salazar finished with a 11-6 record in the regular season. To add to that record, he had a 3.87 ERA with 161 strikeouts and was a first-time all-star in July.

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Regardless of how long the ALCS goes, I would not be surprised to Salazar on the mound just as much as their other key relievers.  One unique reason Salazar should also do wonders this postseason is the number of pitches he will be using.

In preparation for his debut in the 2016 postseason, Salazar will not be using his curveball. Whether the Indians need him in the third or seventh inning, Salazar should be able to strive in any role he is thrown into.

When starting pitcher Trevor Bauer did not get through the fifth inning in Game 1 of the ALDS, that would have been an ideal time to bring in Salazar. Some parts of the bullpen has not been as successful as one would expect when they have entered games up to this point.

With an entirely new series, along with a likely new option in Salazar being available, that should change. Being a starter for the organization, Salazar’s presence should allow Cleveland to be more comfortable with their options should a starter struggle.