Reality Setting in for the Tribe

The month of April is not yet over, and two Indians starting pitchers are injured. This is never a good sign for a team that wants to contend deep into the season. Mitch Talbot was recently sent to the DL with elbow pain and Carlos Carrasco may soon be joining him. Carrasco was pulled from Sunday’s game early, and it is now known that he has elbow soreness.

These injuries will be a test to how the Tribe can hold up while facing adversity. They were riding high with an MLB-best record, but they are currently on a 3 game losing streak. Their bullpen blew the first game of this losing streak on Thursday and the bats failed to produce enough runs in Minnesota. During this 3 game skid the Indians have scored 3 runs twice, and 2 runs once. Without great pitching, wins are hard to come by with that little run support.

Bad luck was the cause of the loss on Sunday. The bad luck came when Michael Brantley’s home run was called back after further review. It was about one inch away from being a home run. This run proved to be the difference as the Twins won 4-3.

With Carrasco being out, the Indians will likely need someone to come up from AAA and make a spot start. This could be David Huff, who has experience in Cleveland. After a team high 11 wins in 2009, he went 2-11 last season before being sent down. His success in 2009 can be something for him to build off of, and possibly land a spot in the majors this season.

With all the troubles, the Indians have many positives to look at. The main one is the return of Grady Sizemore. His absence last season sent the team in a downward spiral. He is hitting .357 with 5 RBI in seven games this season.

Along with Grady is the success of Travis Hafner. Pronk is currently among the top in the AL with an average of .348. Both of these lefties’ success is key to the Indians success as a team.

The Royals come into town on Tuesday for a 3 game series. The Indians currently hold a 1.5 game lead over the Royals in the division, and will need to take at least one game in the series to hold this lead.

Justin Masterson will be on the mound on Tuesday, and will look to start the year 5-0.