Cleveland Indians: Adam Plutko better suited for bullpen

Props to Adam Plutko for filling in but this Cleveland Indians arm is better suited for the pen.

The Cleveland Indians looked like they’d cost to their seventh-straight victory against the Detroit Tigers, especially after taking a five-run lead through three frames.

But then, the fourth inning happened and starter Adam Plutko got rocked, allowing seven earned runs, including a monster grand slam to Isaac Paredes.

Plutko would only get one out in the fourth. It marked the third straight game where he’s failed to pitch more than four innings. Friday’s debacle was also the second straight start he’s made against the Tigers. In those outings, he’s combined to throw just 6.0 innings while surrendering 11 hits and 10 earned runs.

The Tigers are supposed to be the doormat of the Central. They shouldn’t be giving Plutko the Murderer’s Row treatment.

Alas, Plutko shouldn’t be disregarded. He’s very good starting games, as he has a 2.25 in innings one and two. It’s after that when the wheels fall out. In innings three and four, Plutko’s ERA is astoundingly high 15.00! Bottom line. You don’t want batters seeing him twice.

Give the guy credit, he’s filling in for knuckleheads Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac, who continue to hang in purgatory at Lake County. It also reinforces the point of how badly they hurt the team by their actions.

I’m often asked when I think they’ll return to the Tribe, and I believe the answer is soon, but it all depends on how the clubhouse feels. If these guys are are going to divide the locker room, they can’t play. Second chances aren’t new in the game, but their teammates are the ones who have to pave the way.

As for Plutko, put him in the pen. It’s actually an exciting move, because he should be able to be effective there. You’ll agree, unless you want to see Dominic Leone again.

Triston McKenzie’s start should also be an intriguing one because I wouldn’t hesitate to throw him in the pen after Clevinger and Plesac return. That is if things don’t go completely haywire in his big-league debut.