Salazar's start a playoff audition?

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Cleveland Indians announced on Monday that Danny Salazar will start against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night at Angel Stadium.

Manager Terry Francona said he wanted to slip a sixth starter into the rotation to make sure that the regulars got some rest in the last 12 games of the season before the start of the American League Division Series on Oct. 5.

In a way, Salazar is filling space, breaking the routine of the best rotation in the AL so its members can catch their breath and rest their arms before on the onslaught of October. But for Salazar it will be his most important start of the season.

The ALDS is a bestof-five arrangement, which could require the Indians to use four starters. Corey Kluber will start Game 1 on Oct. 5 followed by Carlos Carrasco or Trevor Bauer in Games 2 and 3, respectively.

The Indians, should they maintain homefield advantage, would play Games 1, 2 and 5, if needed, at Progressive Field.

That leaves Salazar in an interesting position after what can only be called a disappointing season. Should he pitch well on Thursday, he could get another start before the end of the regular season and be in line to pitch Game 4 of the ALDS on Oct. 9, if necessary.

He has made three appearances since coming off the disabled list on Sept. 5.

Salazar had a miserable start against the Chicago White Sox on that day, lasting just two-thirds of an inning and allowing four runs. It was the worst performance by a starter during Cleveland's 22-game winning streak.

He has made two relief appearances since, totaling three scoreless innings.

No matter what role Salazar is auditioning for — a spot in the rotation or bullpen — the Indians have quality options this time around.

Mike Clevinger (10-6, 3.21 ERA), Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.04) and Ryan Merritt (2-0, 1.74) will all be available depending on how the ALDS roster is set. They don't throw 98 mph like Salazar, but they are consistent, reliable and, at the moment, healthy.