Clevelinks: Lindor Wroundtable; Marcum Optioned; Cleveland Indians Pitching Notes

The Weekly Wroundtable returned and the Cleveland Indians Designated Shaun Marcum

The Weekly Wroundtable made its return yesterday, and the crew submitted predictions for Francisco Lindor’s season. Who thought that Lindor would be a stellar defender but disappointing batter? Who thought that Lindor would be a stellar defender and batter? Read the piece to find out!

In other news, Shaun Marcum has cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus. Pitching to a 5.40 ERA and a 5.76 FIP, this season has not been ideal for the 33-year-old. While his walk and strikeout rates are both solid, he has allowed 2.31 homeruns per nine innings. This is partially due to an increase in his fly ball rate, but it is mostly due to an absurdly high home run to fly ball ratio of 20%.

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Taking Marcum’s place as the fifth starting pitcher is Cody Anderson. Anderson, 22, has bounced back this season in Triple-A. His strikeout rate rebounded from a down year, and his walks have stayed at a low level. The right-hander has posted sub-three ERAs and FIPs across 13 Double-A and Triple-A starts after two questionable years.

The Cleveland Indians have yet to find a pitcher on whom they can rely in the fifth spot. T.J. House tanked in his four starts before landing on the disabled list. He has still not pitched particularly well in Triple-A. Shaun Marcum, as stated above, has been a bit of a disaster, and Bruce Chen didn’t last very long. Zach McAllister made one start, but he is better suited in the bullpen.

Finally, Corey Kluber struggled last night. Across seven innings, he allowed eight base runners and four runs, all earned. Included in those eight base runners are four walks, an uncharacteristically high amount. This season, Kluber has averaged just 1.68 walks per nine innings against a stellar 10.33 strikeouts. Even better is his 2.47 FIP and his 2.9 fWAR, both of which are the third best in the American League.

More from around the AL Central:

Cleveland Indians Wroundtable: Predicting Francisco Lindor’s First Season – Wahoo’s on First

Indians News: Rays Ruin First Night of Reunion with 4-1 Victory – Wahoo’s on First

Kansas City Royals, Salvador Perez Could Discuss Extension Soon – Kings of Kauffman

Detroit Tigers: All-Star Voting Can’t Dim Miggy’s Star Power – Motor City Bengals

Chicago White Sox: Robin Ventura Needs to Go – Southside Showdown

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