Cleveland Indians: Deciding when to shakeup the rotation

The Cleveland Indians could use Mike Clevinger’s services, but it would mean someone in the starting rotation loses a job.

Cleveland Indians fans are well-aware that the starting rotation is not as reliable as it was expected to be.

Carlos Carrasco opened up as the ace, but even he has struggled in his last two starts. Yet his 2.93 ERA looks worthy of the Cy Young award when compared to Trevor Bauer‘s 6.65 ERA or Josh Tomlin‘s mark of 6.70. Add in Danny Salazar at 5.55 and Corey Kluber at 5.06 and it has been an ugly start to the year for the starting five.

Even with the struggles, Kluber and Salazar are safe, but Bauer and Tomlin may be at risk of losing their jobs if Mike Clevinger keeps dominating opposing lineups.

Clevinger has started three games for the Indians this season and has allowed a total of three earned runs. His last start saw him go seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits to the Houston Astros, who happen to be one of the best teams in baseball.

It will be hard for Clevinger to top his last start, yet it didn’t appear to be a fluke. After a solid season in 2016, he has opened 2017 by dominating in Triple-A and doing the same in the majors.

With the way he is pitching, it will almost be hard to send him back down to Columbus once Kluber returns from his injury, which appears to be soon.

But Terry Francona and the front office have a tough decision, as replacing a member of the rotation is a big decision. So when is the right time to make such a move?

Even though the Indians are fighting at the top of the AL Central, Clevinger deserves a spot if those in charge believe he is better, at least right now, than either Tomlin or Bauer. Every game counts and there is not enough time to hope for a major turnaround from either of the struggling starters.

Both are capable of figuring things out, but Clevinger should get a job if the coaches see he is clearly a better option.

Next: Has Edwin broken out of his slump?

A move like this doesn’t even need to be permanent, as Clevinger may falter later on in the year, but he appears to deserve a chance right now. Taking someone out of the rotation is a big decision, but it may be one that is best for this team.