Two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber set out on a minor league rehab assignment Thursday, tossing three innings for the Indians’ Triple-A affiliate in Columbus.
Kluber made 41 pitches across three innings, allowing a pair of runs on two hits — both solo homers — and a walk with two strikeouts. That line isn’t exactly pretty, but the organization’s focus for Kluber is surely more on the process and how Kluber will feel in the coming days than it is on the bottom-line results. Kluber hasn’t pitched since May 1, when he sustained a fractured forearm upon being struck by a comeback line drive.
Of course, Kluber’s results soon will be the focus, and the version of him that returns from the injured list will have a seismic impact on Cleveland’s postseason chances. If the Indians are greeted by the Cy Young-winning ace that Kluber has been for much of his career — or anything close to it — they’ll pose an even more formidable threat to the Twins and their dwindling division lead. But Kluber opened the season in a disastrous slump, pitching to a 5.80 ERA and battling control issues the likes of which we’ve never seen from him. In just 35 2/3 innings of work, Kluber walked 15 batters (3.8 BB/9) and hit another three. For a pitcher who only walked 34 batters and hit three in 215 innings last season, that was obviously an unsettling start to the year.
There’s little reason to believe Kluber won’t return to form, but he’ll need to sharpen his command quickly with Cleveland in a tight race for the American League Central crown. The Indians’ pitching staff has been rocked by injuries this season, but the team has remained competitive thanks to a breakout from Shane Bieber and solid contributions from lesser known arms like Zach Plesac. A healthy and effective Kluber will be all the more important now that Trevor Bauer is pitching in Cincinnati following a three-team deadline blockbuster. If Kluber can indeed bounce back, he’ll join Bieber and Mike Clevinger in comprising one of the more imposing rotation trios in the game.
Gave up two taters in 3 innings of work. It looks like Kluber picked up right where he left off.
I am a fan of Kluber but his velo isn’t so good and therefore his stuff isn’t as sharp. He’s more of a 4 starter now in my opinion.
He always has a slow start to start the season. It’s pretty normal as you ramp up your workload.
Does he normally go through Spring Training pitching in B games?
I can’t recall previous Spring Training’s before 2019.
If I remember correctly, they usually have him start very slowly in spring training due to the large volume of innings pitched the season before. The first month is usually a bit rough, panic begins to rise, and then he goes on a tear the majority of the year.
Corey Kluber will be just fine. And keep this in mind: Kluber doesn’t have the wear and tear of any innings pitched for the past three months. He could be at his very best when it matters most of all.
He has a ton of mileage on his arm from the past few years though and is in decline. Indians fans need to hope that his start to the season isn’t a trend because of it is than the Indians messed up by not trading him when he was at peak value
Another person living in hindsight, worry about your own rotation.
Same statement that was attached to Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz and they were just fine.
Geez, give the guy a break. He has to ramp up again.
So many haters. The thing is Kluber at 70% is better than 90% of the rest of the pitchers in the league.
I couldn’t imagine getting back this quickly after a broken bone in the pitching arm and knowing the force that goes into throwing a pitch. I couldn’t help but think the worse each time he snaps one off.
I hope they take their time and don’t rush him back. Give him the full time to make sure he is at his best…
Can you hurry back, Kluber? I need you for my fantasy league’s playoffs starting next week