Cleveland Indians: 5 players we’re anxious to watch in 60-game season

2. Mike Clevinger

A lot of Tribe fans were expecting Mike Clevinger to pick up the ace’s glove left behind when Corey Kluber was traded to Texas Rangers.

Clevinger got hurt in Spring Training 1.0, and the loss was viewed as a major setback. Now, with time off, he’s expected to be back and healthy.

It may take a few starts for Clevinger, and every other starter for that matter, to really be in game shape, but he’s got to perform and play extremely well.

He’s going to get 11-12 starts as front of the rotation pitcher, assuming he stays off the injured list. Will he be able to go 9-3 or 8-2? If he can, and the rest of the rotation follows suit, the Indians postseason picture will be a lot rosier.

The rest of the rotation should include Carlos Carrasco, Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac. I’d also look for Adam Plutko to contribute in some way, perhaps out of the bullpen. It’s going to take a little time in the early going and having someone like Plutko may prove to be invaluable.