2016 World Series: 5 Reasons The Cleveland Indians Will Beat The Chicago Cubs

Indians Starters Getting It Done

Corey Kluber has picked up wins in each of the first two postseason series. Josh Tomlin has 2.53 ERA and is 2-0. He’s picked up wins on the road, and at home. Trevor Bauer‘s drone-related pinky injury is a question mark, but he’s acting like a true gamer, stating he wants to pitch every game of the Fall Classic.

The Indians also have Ryan Merritt, who just threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings against a powerful Blue Jays lineup.

The Tribe also got good good news Danny Salazar threw a three-inning simulated game at Progressive Field Sunday night.

It was a weird atmosphere at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario, as the Tribe pumped in music through its sound system and announced batters in an empty stadium.

Salazar hasn’t pitched since since Sept. 9, but recently threw a side session at Progressive Field.

Francona’s done a marvelous job of keeping the Tribe’s rotation bandaged together, but when you get the chance to add an All-Star back to your arsenal, you take it.

The Indians are trying to reduce the time of adjustment Salazar normally needs before he starts pitching effectively.

He came back from injury after the All-Star break, but was ineffective when the Indians didn’t send him on any rehab starts.

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There was talk Salazar could pitch in the ALCS, but that he’d only throw his fastball and change up. You’d have to believe that if the Indians are going to use Danny, he’d have to be able to throw his slider too. If he can’t, there’s no point in jeopardizing his promising future.