Cleveland Indians: What The Pitching Rotation Will Look Like For World Series
The Cleveland Indians will start their World Series journey on Tuesday October 25th vs the Chicago Cubs. The Indians made it this far by first sweeping the Boston Red Sox then defeating the Toronto Blue Jays four games to one.
During the postseason the Cleveland Indians‘ pitching rotation has looked like this: Corey Kluber, Josh Tomlin, Trevor Bauer, and occasionally Mike Clevinger. The Indians used their bullpen to help them secure a lot of wins. Such aspect of the team that most opponents feared.
That said, Cleveland’s rotation was able to help them keep their heads above water. Now jump ahead to the ALCS where Bauer was forced to move back a day in the rotation after cutting his finger on a drone he was repairing.
Bauer pitched Game 3 but he couldn’t finish one inning before his injury reopened. Thus, he was forced to leave the game. Consequently, the Indians were forced to start rookie Ryan Merritt later in Game 5.
Merritt proved to be a great add-on as he helped lead them to the World Series clinching 3-0 victory. The Indians advanced to the World Series, but their rotation was looking slim, or so we thought.
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This was before Bauer came out and said that he will be ready to play for the World Series. Bauer was given extra rest time after his early exit from Game 3, and it appears his injury is healing up nicely.
Adding Bauer to the rotation may sound like a bad thing considering his injury. Though with his dedication and rest time it could be huge. Bauer proved that he cares about this team and would go to great lengths to pitch for the Indians.
Bauer could help give some rest to Kluber or Tomlin and keep the series alive. All Bauer really has to do is stay strong for at least 5 innings. Should that happen,the bullpen can take over from there.
Another key figure that could join the rotation is Danny Salazar. Salazar hasn’t pitched in about 10 weeks after suffering right forearm inflammation. He was a key part of the Indians rotation in the early parts of the season. Having him back now for an early game in the series could be huge.
We honestly don’t know what Salazar will look like after his rest. If he can give Cleveland a solid 4-5 innings then I would consider that a win. Salazar could come back with all his stuff or still look a little rusty. I would play Salazar in an early game.
However, I wouldn’t trust him to play a win or go home game. Yet, if he plays early, then the Indians will have their ace pitchers available for those games anyways.
Cleveland’s goal throughout this series should be to have a solid rotation. One that can give them a solid start and/or good production if needed in relief.
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They should be working towards setting up the bullpen for success. The bullpen will be the ultimate factor this series. If the hitters can get some runs on the board early, then it will take more stress off the pitchers. From Kluber, Tomlin, Bauer starting the early games, followed by Merritt, and Salazar, Cleveland is in a good position to exceed and help lead them to another championship for the city.