The Battle For The Cleveland Indians’ Final Rotation Spot

We’re only two days into Spring Training, but we’ve already had a look at three of the contenders that are battling for that final spot in the Cleveland Indians rotation. So what better than a “way to early assessment” of the race.

Zach McAllister

McAllister got the Spring Training Opening Day start, and while it started off a little rocky, he was able to hold it together and give a solid performance. After allowing a double to Brandon Phillips in the first, then an RBI single to Devin Mesoraco – McAllister settled in, allowing just one more hit in his two inning outing. In two innings, he allowed three hits and a run after striking out three.

Josh Tomlin

Tomlin’s opening statement for the spot wasn’t too impressive, as the control pitcher lacked good control in his Spring Training debut. Tomlin missed his spots often, and the reds made him pay on Wednesday with hard hit balls, including a leadoff home run by Billy Hamilton. His final line was two runs on three hit, with one strikeout – but Tomlin wasn’t fooling anyone with his stuff.

T.J. House

Let’s go ahead and give him the keys. It’s his. Okay, I kid. We still have Danny Salazar to see, but House made a good first impression on the mound today. He faced the minimum in his two innings, and was sharp moving through them. He struck out two in a very effective and efficient first inning.

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Clearly we’re having some fun after only two inning of work by each, but for the most part it’s a good start by this group. Tomlin wasn’t at his best, but it’s his first outing of the spring. In McAllister’s case, it was a good outing to shake off some early trouble to get out allowing only a run. And House was pretty much lights out efficient.

It’s a long spring, but the group battling for that last spot are off to a solid start.

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