TODAY: Carrasco is expected to be out for four to six weeks, the club has announced. Obviously, that’s just an estimate for an injury that will require quite a bit of careful monitoring, but it seems relatively promising news.
Cleveland has also activated outfielder Michael Brantley, who had opened the year on the DL.
YESTERDAY: Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco exited his start in Detroit on Sunday with a left hamstring injury and will be placed on the disabled list as a result, manager Terry Francona said (Twitter link via Zack Meisel of cleveland.com). Carrasco will return to Cleveland for an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.
Carrasco suffered the injury while running to cover first base on a ground ball during the third inning of the Indians’ 6-3 victory. He pulled up in pain before reaching the bag and grabbed the back of his leg, and had to be helped off the field, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Trevor Bauer then replaced Carrasco, and Bauer figures to take the now-vacant spot in Cleveland’s rotation. The former top prospect threw 329 frames of 4.38 ERA ball as a starter for the Indians from 2014-15 before shifting to the bullpen prior to this season. He tossed 3 1/3 innings and yielded two earned runs Sunday.
Regardless of how long he’s out, the loss of Carrasco represents a significant blow to the Indians’ pitching staff. Carrasco has emerged as one of baseball’s top starters over the last two-plus years, having put up a 3.15 ERA/2.79 FIP/2.70 xFIP with an outstanding 51.5 percent ground-ball rate in 337 innings since 2014. Carrasco ranks sixth among all starters in K/9 during that time frame (9.99) and has shown great control with a 2.06 BB/9. Along with Corey Kluber and Danny Salazar, he has given the Indians a premier triumvirate of starters.
Carrasco was off to another strong start this season with a 2.45 ERA in 22 innings prior to the injury, though FIP wasn’t as bullish on him as usual (4.31) and his 8.18 K/9 is lower than it has been in recent years. However, the 29-year-old has thus far posted a stellar 3.31 xFIP while continuing to limit walks (2.05 BB/9).
“Though FIP wasn’t as bullish on him as usual”. Um…. he has a career ERA of 4.04 and FIP of 3.49, and has constantly had a lower FIP then ERA throughout his career.
But regardless, hoping for a speedy recovery. Very fun pitcher to watch
I think you misunderstood the sentence. I didn’t mean FIP is usually down on him. I meant it’s not as high on him early this year as it usually is.
Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for the clarification
Tough news, I hope he recovers well.
This is a rough one for CLE. Bauer can be a bit of a head case. Anderson came into camp ripped and so far that isn’t helping him at all. Tomlin is still managing to fool hitters but he’s a guy who needs all of his stuff working to have success. Salazar is the only one who has been extremely impressive thus far besides “Cookie”. Kluber’s last start was definitely a step in right direction. The run support was a welcomed change for Corey.