Cleveland Indians Starter Carlos Carrasco Placed on DL

By Nick Fustor |

Apr 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) reacts after getting hurt while making the out at first base against Detroit Tigers third baseman Andrew Romine (not pictured) in the third inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Indians will likely be without one of their most valuable players for the rest of April and most, if not all, of May as well.

Cleveland Indians right-handed starter Carlos Carrasco will be placed on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain, as reported by Zack Meisel of Cleveland.com via MLB Trade Rumors. Carrasco exited Sunday’s start against Detroit after running to cover a ground ball during the third inning of the game, where he was limping in pain and needed to be helped off the field, per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

It’s still unclear how severe the injury and a timetable for the 29-year-old’s return. Once touted prospect Trevor Bauer, who was moved to the bullpen this season, took over for Carrasco and is the most likely candidate to take his spot in the rotation.

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After establishing himself as the clear number two starter in Cleveland’s rotation over the past few seasons, Carrasco has had a nice start to the 2016 season. In 19.1 innings pitched, he posted a 2.79 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP and 8.38 K/9. It should be noted that in 30 starts last season, Carrasco managed a 10.53 K/9, so his strikeouts have been coming at a lesser rate this season.

While the loss of Carrasco hurts the Indians’ rotation, it provides Bauer with a chance to permanently reinsert himself into the team’s rotation. In 31 games last season, Bauer posted a 4.55 ERA with an 8.69 K/9. This season, in a relief role, the 25-year-old has managed to increase his strikeouts, but his command remains a concern. Carrasco, on the other hand, is one of the better pitchers in baseball at striking out batters and limiting walks.

After replacing Carrasco in Sunday’s game, Bauer allowed two earned runs in 3.2 innings of work. If Bauer can at the very least replicate his 2015 numbers, he has a good chance at taking a permanent rotation spot, even upon Carrasco’s return.

Cody Anderson, the team’s number five starter, has struggled mightily in three outings, posting a 7.53 ERA and 7.04 FIP. A 3.14 HR/9 is among the 25-year-old’s main concerns, and some more time in the minors could benefit him tremendously.

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With Corey Kluber and Danny Salazar at the top of the rotation, Cleveland (9-7) should be able to continue their solid start to the season and make a run at the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals atop the AL Central division.

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