The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Carrasco reports soreness
Starter undergoes MRI after reporting discomfort
The Indians are already down one starting pitcher and might be missing another with the regular season opener five weeks away.
Carlos Carrasco, who missed three months of the 2019 season battling leukemia but returned to pitch 11 games in relief in September, is experiencing discomfort in his right leg, according to reports from Goodyear, Ariz., where the Indians are currently in spring training.
The Tribe’s 32-year-old right hander walked into the Tribe clubhouse on Feb. 20 leaning on a crutch under his left arm. He was to undergo an MRI and other testing. The results should be known by Feb. 21, the Indians announced.
Spring training began on an ominous note when starter Mike Clevinger, 13-4 last season, suffered a left knee injury Feb. 12 while working out at Goodyear. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery two days later and will be out of commission six to eight weeks from the date of surgery.
The Indians starting depth will be strained early in the season if tests reveal Carrasco needs surgery or even lengthy rest. Corey Kluber, a two-time Cy Young Award winner with the Tribe, was traded to the Texas Rangers in December. Trevor Bauer was traded to the Cincinnati Reds on July 31 last year.
The starting rotation without Carrasco or Clevinger would involve Shane Bieber (15-8 in 2019), Zach Plesac (8-6), Adam Plutko (7-5) and Aaron Civale (3-4) as the top four starters. Jefry Rodriquez, Scott Moss and Logan Allen would be in a battle for the fifth spot.
Rodriquez is scheduled to start the Cactus League opener Feb. 22 against the Cincinnati Reds. He would probably have the inside track on Logan and Moss for a spot in the rotation if Carrasco joins Clevinger on the injured list to start the season.
Rodriguez was 1-5 with the Indians last year before a shoulder injury stalled his season in early June. He pitched twice in relief in September. He might end up working out of the bullpen if he doesn’t make the starting rotation.
“I think as long as he’s getting outs, I think we’ll all be happy,” Manager Terry Francona told reporters in Goodyear. “I think we’d certainly like to stretch him out because I think he showed last year that he had the ability to start and to be an effective starter. The injury got in the way and derailed his season.”
The Indians acquired Rodriguez and outfielder Daniel Johnson from the Washington Nationals in a trade that sent catcher Yan Gomes to the Nationals on Nov. 30, 2018.