A.M. Wahoo’s: Should Josh Tomlin be Replaced?

Taking a look at the news surrounding the Cleveland Indians and the rest of the MLB.

The Cleveland Indians continued their winning ways earlier this morning with a 1-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

Andrew Miller came in and picked up the save, which will surely lead to countless comments about how he should replace Cody Allen as the permanent closer, but the focus should be on the Indians’ 7.5-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central with just 39 games to play.

The only main concern may be the recent play of Josh Tomlin, and whether he should be replaced in the rotation. Let’s take a look at that and more in today’s edition of A.M. Wahoo’s.

Cleveland Indians news: 

Cleveland Indians: Should Josh Tomlin be Replaced?

"The Cleveland Indians are playing at an elite level for the first time since 2007, which is partially due to the dominance of the starting pitching staff. That is, most of the staff. While Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco have put the Indians in a position to win the team’s first AL Central title since 2007, Josh Tomlin has become a liability each time he steps on the mound."

Cleveland Indians: A Look at September Call-Up Options 

"After Sunday’s come-from-behind 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, the Cleveland Indians are 71-51 in 2016, and hold a seven-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central. For the most part, manager Terry Francona has found a rotation with his roster that has been effective, and the Indians are on pace for their first division title since 2007."

Cleveland Indians Make Final Trip West for Series with A’s

"The Cleveland Indians arrive in Oakland for a three-game series against the Athletics on Monday fresh off of a dramatic series win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field and a successful 8-3 homestand. The Tribe enters play on Monday night with a seven-game lead in the Central Division, and in a battle for the best record in the American League."

Yan Gomes Understands Why Indians Pursued Lucroy (cleveland.com)

"Catcher Yan Gomes doesn’t blame the Indians for trying to acquire All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy from Milwaukee before the Aug. 1 trading deadline. “That had no affect on me at all,” said Gomes, who is traveling with the Indians on this trip. “How much can you say when you’re a guy on the DL? “"

Yasiel Puig Still a Good Fit For the Cleveland Indians (Let’s Go Tribe)

"According to a report from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to “give away”outfielder Yasiel Puig, but so far there are no takers. The 25-year-old, who is under contract through 2018, is currently playing in Triple-A, having been demoted due to what can be described as attitude issues."

MLB news:

Stephen Strasburg Placed on DL With Elbow Issue (FanSided)

"Stephen Strasburg missed a couple starts in late June with a back issue, but otherwise he has had a pretty good season (15-4, 3.59 ERA, 11.1 K/9). But he got shelled by the Colorado Rockies in his last outing (nine runs allowed over 1.2 innings), and over his last three starts he has really struggled (14.66 ERA, a .414 opponent’s batting average and a 2.57 WHIP)."

Report: Danny Valencia Clocked Billy Butler in Temple (ESPN.com)

"Oakland A’s designated hitter Billy Butler suffered a concussion in a fight with teammate Danny Valencia on Friday after the third baseman punched him in the temple, according to a San Francisco Chronicle report."

Mike Scioscia Expected Back in 2017 (Call to the Pen)

"Los Angeles Angels Manager Mike Scioscia will keep his job next season. Recent conversations with owner Arte Moreno and general manager Billy Eppler with the press do not lay blame on Scioscia for the team’s poor record. At 52-72, the Angels are dead last in the American League West. Trailing the Texas Rangers by 20.5 games, the Halos are going nowhere fast."