Cleveland Indians: Carlos Carrasco Makes His Return Today in Arizona

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco makes his return to action today after missing the 2016 postseason due to a freak injury.

One day after Danny Salazar started a game against the Chicago Cubs, Carlos Carrasco is set to make his return to the mound. It is just spring training, but it is great to have the two great pitchers back and healthy.

Salazar logged two innings of scoreless work against the Cubs, and looked like his old self, before all the injuries. The same should be true for Carrasco, whose injury was more of a freak accident than any lingering problem.

Carrasco and the Indians are taking on the Texas Rangers this afternoon, and the starter should see at least two innings, given he doesn’t run into any trouble.

Just seeing Carrasco on the mound is a welcome sign after he missed the entire 2016 postseason. His absence was thought to be a crushing blow to the team’s playoff chances, yet they still rallied without him. However, him being healthy could have been the difference in the World Series.

Regardless, there is no need to linger on the past. Carrasco enters the season as the number two guy behind Corey Kluber, and may even get some time against other teams’ number ones if Kluber receives some rest throughout the year.

It is hard to say that the Indians need all five starters to stay healthy all season, given how last season ended, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have all five guys start 30 games, or at least finish right around that mark. It would take the stress off guys like Kluber, and even Andrew Miller.

Next: Top 30 Prospects: Just missed list

Carrasco is capable of leading a rotation, so having him in the number two spot is a great weapon for this Indians team. Today’s start will be short, but it will hopefully kick off what should be another great season for the right-hander.