Cleveland Indians Pitching Staff Dealt Major Blow
By David Hill
The Cleveland Indians may be the favorites to win the American League Central, but they were dealt a major blow to their pitching staff. Both Andrew Miller and Danny Salazar have been placed on the disabled list.
As of this point, the Cleveland Indians seemingly have the American League Central under control. The Royals have been scuffling of late, and while the Twins are still hanging around the periphery, the Indians seemingly have nothing to fear.
Of course, with a bit over a month left in the season, anything can happen. The Indians lead is far from insurmountable. A couple of ill timed injuries, especially to key contributors, could derail Cleveland’s postseason hopes. Those key injuries may have happened with Andrew Miller and Danny Salazar, both of whom were placed on the disabled list on Tuesday. Both treks to the disabled list may bear watching, given the circumstances.
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With Salazar, the Indians may be losing their second best starter. While his overall numbers may not impress, Salazar had looked better in his first five outings since returning from the disabled list. He allowed only five runs on 18 hits and nine walks, striking out 46 batters in 32.1 innings. However, he was roughed up in his last outing, giving up six runs and 13 baserunners in 4.2 innings before feeling that stiffness in his elbow.
Miller’s second trip to the DL this season is also concerning. While it is classified as a recurrence of his patellar tendinitis, his sudden lack of velocity in his last outing is quite concerning. Given how important Miller was to the Indians World Series run last season, they have to hope that nothing else is wrong.
Next: David Wright begins rehab assignment
The Cleveland Indians have a solid lead in the AL Central. However, with two of their top pitchers on the disabled list, they may be vulnerable.