A.M. Wahoo’s: Indians lose to Tigers, magic number at 7

Taking a look at the news surrounding the Cleveland Indians and the rest of the MLB on the morning of September 19, 2016.

The Cleveland Indians get a much-needed day off today following a series win against the Detroit Tigers this past weekend. The wins have the Indians up seven games over the Tigers, but the series also saw the loss of Carlos Carrasco for the rest of the season after a line drive hit him on the hand.

Manager Terry Francona is going to have to get creative with the starting rotation, but this team has been so resilient all year, making the Carrasco injury just another challenge to overcome. Even if a certain beat writer thinks otherwise.

Today is the team’s final day of rest until the regular season is over, when the Indians are hopefully preparing for the ALDS. While we all take a break from the postseason push, let’s take a look at the news surrounding the Indians and the rest of the MLB in today’s edition of A.M. Wahoo’s.

Cleveland Indians News: 

The Aftermath: Three Takeaways on the Indians’ 9-5 Loss to Detroit

"Starting with Justin Upton losing Mike Napoli’s fly ball on Friday night only to have it end up bouncing over the 19-foot left wall at Progressive Field, and continuing with Carlos Carrasco suffering a fractured hand on the second pitch of the game on Saturday, this series between the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers was just downright odd. And that theme continued on Sunday afternoon in a 9-5 Tigers’ win."

Cleveland Indians Dealt a Tough Blow with Carrasco Injury

"The Cleveland Indians are on pace to win the team’s first AL Central title since 2007, but optimism heading into the potential postseason berth took a hit early on in Saturday’s win over the Detroit Tigers. Carlos Carrasco was hit by a line drive after throwing only two pitches, sustaining an injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season."

Akron Rubberducks are Eastern League Champions

"The Cleveland Indians earned a resounding win over their archrivals the Detroit Tigers on Friday night at Progressive Field, inching ever so much closer to an American League Central Division title. But while there is still work to be done for the club to reach the promised land, one of its minor league affiliates got to experience the champagne-popping glory of a championship."

Trevor Bauer Calls Paul Hoynes a Coward (Let’s Go Tribe)

"Saturday afternoon Carlos Carrasco suffered a fractured finger when his second pitch of the game was lined back up the middle. The injury almost certainly means his season over, a tough break for the pitcher and for the Cleveland Indians, whose starting rotation will also be without All-Star Danny Salazar the rest of the way. Paul Hoynes, Indians beat writer for the Cleveland Plain Dealer (and its internet arm, Cleveland.com), tweeted “Sept. 17: Remember the date because that’s when Indians’ postseason dreams ended before they began.”"

Tribe to Add Plukto to Bolster Pitching Depth (indians.com)

"Corey Kluber smiled when he saw the pair of nameplates that were placed above one locker inside Cleveland’s crowded clubhouse. The Indians’ ace remembers what it was like to share a stall with another player after being called up to the big leagues in September."

MLB News:

Mets’ Jacob deGrom Out for season, Faces Surgery (FanSided)

"The New York Mets were supposed to have one of the more dominant starting staffs in all of baseball, but over the course of the season pitchers began dropping one by one. Now, according to a report at CBS Sports, Jacob deGrom is the latest casualty and will miss the remainder of the season, including any potential postseason games, with an ulnar nerve issue that will likely require surgery."

Colorado Rockies, Carlos Gonzalez Not Having Extension Talks (Call to the Pen)

"The Colorado Rockies are in the midst of yet another middling season where they are already starting to focus on the seasons yet to come. One of the things that has been discussed recently is a possible extension for slugger Carlos Gonzalez, who has one season remaining on his deal."

Ian Kinsler Tested for Concussion After Pitch Hits Helmet (ESPN.com)

"A testy win for the Detroit Tigers wound up with Ian Kinsler being tested for a concussion. He got his helmet knocked off by a pitch from Trevor Bauer. Kinsler then yelled at the Cleveland right-hander and later was ejected as the Tigers beat the Indians 9-5 on Sunday."