Cleveland Indians: The bullpen dominance continues in 2017

Corey Kluber didn’t have a great start in the Cleveland Indians’ season opener, but the bullpen was there to shut down the Rangers late in the game.

Maybe it was just me, but the excitement for Opening Day was swept out of my body when the Cleveland Indians trailed the Texas Rangers by the score of 5-1 in the bottom of the third inning in Monday night’s game.

Corey Kluber had just given up his second home run to Rougned Odor, and he did not seem to have his best stuff. I did not pull the ultimate hot take and declare the season to be over, but it was a sign that the season was going to be another one filled with an endless mix of emotions.

But Kluber settled in after that, getting through six innings without allowing a sixth run.

The Indians were able to cut it to a 5-4 deficit by the time Dan Otero came in to begin the bottom of the seventh inning, and fans were anxious to see if the bullpen could pick up where they left off in 2016. They did that and more.

Otero, Boone Logan, Andrew Miller and Cody Allen combined to pitch three shutout innings, allowing two hits while striking out six batters.

As expected, Miller came in during the most crucial part of the game when the Indians and Rangers were tied 5-5 in the bottom of the eighth inning. A 1-2-3 inning led to an offensive explosion in the top of the ninth, allowing Cody Allen to come in and get the save.

Did we think it would be any different?

Fans came into this season expecting dominance from the bullpen, and the first game of the season provided some visual proof that the expectations were warranted. It is only one game, but Terry Francona once again showed his genius in putting the right reliever in at the right time, although it does make him look smarter when his players execute.

It was interesting that Bryan Shaw did not come into the game, but he was warming up before the Indians tied the game, thus allowing for Miller to come in and hold the score.

Next: Almonte had a great opener

The four pitchers kept their pitch counts low, meaning they should all be available again tonight if needed. Fans want a great start from Carlos Carrasco, but it is nice knowing that there are capable pitchers ready to come in at any moment if the starter struggles.