The Indians placed right-hander Jefry Rodriguez on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Ryan Lewis of Ohio.com relays. Rodriguez is dealing with a “mild” shoulder strain, according to manager Terry Francona, though he’ll still miss “at least a few weeks,” per Lewis. The team activated outfielder Tyler Naquin from the IL to take Rodriguez’s roster spot.
The 25-year-old Rodriguez arrived in Cleveland last offseason as part of its return from Washington for catcher Yan Gomes. But Rodriguez wasn’t supposed to see this much action with the Tribe right away. Before landing on the IL, he totaled eight starts and 43 2/3 innings of 4.74 ERA/4.47 FIP pitching with 6.6 K/9 and 3.92 BB/9. The Indians have had to rely on Rodriguez because of injuries to two of their best hurlers, Corey Kluber and Mike Clevinger, who have only combined for seven starts and 47 2/3 frames this season.
It’s not yet clear who will take over for Rodriguez in the Indians’ rotation. It’s not going to be Clevinger, who has been down since April 8 because of back issues, but he’s not far from a return. Lewis reports Clevinger will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus on Thursday. As things stand, the 28-year-old is way ahead of schedule, Lewis suggests.
Clevinger came out of the gates in awe-inspiring fashion during his first two starts this season, throwing 12 scoreless innings of two-hit ball and racking up 22 strikeouts against three walks. His comeback will be a welcome morsel of positive news for a .500 Cleveland club that’s sitting a distant 10 1/2 games behind first-place Minnesota in the AL Central. The Indians entered the season as back-to-back-to-back division champions, and their two most recent titles came with key contributions from Clevinger.
Dallas?
Dallas was a television series from 1978-1991….Seriously, the Tribe won’t spend the kind of $$$$ Dallas Keuchel is looking for.
What is the return timetable for Kluber might anyone know? His trade value has actually increased because he is injured. Not eating innings for a postseason bound or hopeful team. As young as most teams are in their rotations we should see a spike in innings limit pitchers this season.
No one’s trade value increases because they’re injured.
The Indians are still a “postseason bound or hopeful team”….no way they deal Kluber, none!
With Naquins return I wouldn’t be sad to see Martin gone, he doesn’t hit enough and Ks way too much for his role.
I’d be willing to drive from Kalifornia to Ohio, just to give Martin a ride out of town.
Connor, thank you for not suggesting Adam Plutko. A pleasant change.
That means a return of Cody Anderson! Bleh…..
Cody just went on the AAA Injured list… Its going to be Plutko for a few starts until Clevinger is ready to return…
I agree with bleh. I’d rather have anyone other than Cody or Plutko. Can’t wait until the guys at AA and High-A get to Cleveland.
They just purchased Mitch Talbot from the Sugar Land Skeeters! The savior has arrived.
It’s going to be Plutko for one start, since they need a starter in the 8th. He went on the 3rd. And Anderson just went on the DL. But, thanks to a few well placed off days they don’t need a 5th starter again until possibly the 18th. Clevinger will likely be back by then.
Jefry will likely go back to AAA when healthy. And I’m all for him and Civale being the next guys up. This may be the last time you see Plutko, since he’s out of options after this season.
Maybe they’ll have Plawecki and Michal Martinez split the duties, they’ve both made more contributions to the organization on the mound than they ever did as position players.
There is more truth in sarcasm and cynicism than people unfamiliar with Michael Martinez begin to realize!
What have I told you about mentioning the unmentionable?
I won’t mention it