Long layoffs are not typically welcomed by teams in the midst of a postseason run. However, the Cleveland Indians can’t really complain about the six days they’ll have to rest and heal ahead of World Series Game 1 on Tuesday.
As everyone knows by now, the Indians are a beat up team, particularly in the starting rotation. But Friday offered optimism that the extra days of rest could allow two key members of their rotation to return at or near 100 percent. That includes Danny Salazar, who had been shut down since early September due to a right forearm strain.
According to manager Terry Francona, the All-Star right-hander threw a two-inning simulated game on Sunday that went according to plan. Salazar is scheduled to throw another simulated game this weekend. If that goes well, Francona left the door open for Salazar to pitch and perhaps even start a World Series game. He concluded his comments with six very encouraging words.
“I think he’s ready to pitch.”
One key factor will be extending Salazar to three innings during the workout. That would go a long way toward cementing the confidence Francona would have in extending Salazar during a game. He also noted that Salazar has been throwing his fastball, changeup and curveball, which is one important hurdle that’s definitely been cleared.
Francona on Salazar, who could be available for the World Series. #Indians pic.twitter.com/nrVGBXKR3v— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) October 21, 2016
“If Danny pitches and he pitches healthy,” Francona told the media on Friday, “and he’s throwing the ball over the plate, we have a really good pitcher for however amount of innings he’s built up for, which can potentially help us.”
This is all very encouraging, but the Indians should still be expected to exercise caution. As much as they’d like to have Salazar back, and as much as winning the World Series would mean to all involved, there’s still a bigger picture that includes Salazar’s long-term health. With that in mind, don’t expect a final decision until Monday or perhaps even Tuesday.
As for Trevor Bauer and his bloody pinkie, they’re both expected to be ready.
Bauer joked that he could pitch Game 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Francona: "That'd be a lot better than the last series."— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) October 21, 2016
If Salazar and Bauer can go, that would provide a huge boost behind ace Corey Kluber. The only big pitching piece missing then would be Carlos Carrasco, who has been ruled out with a broken hand. If one or both experience setbacks, then Josh Tomlin will be bumped up again and ALCS hero Ryan Merritt should be in for one more start.
Either way, Francona will continue relying heavily on his bullpen to pick up innings, which means guys like Andrew Miller and Cody Allen may end up being the biggest beneficiaries of the layoff.
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