Cleveland Indians: In-House Options to Consider Down the Stretch (Slideshow)

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Pitcher – Josh Tomlin

When the season began, Tomlin was one of many battling for the open starter spots in a very deep rotation. That depth disappeared quickly with injuries and poor results–leaving the Indians in search of a No. 5 starter for much of the first half. It appears they’ve found one in Cody Anderson, but it’s well-known that you can never have enough pitching.

Tomlin has just started his rehab assignments, so the timeframe on his return is unknown. Anderson has been fantastic, but as a rookie the Indians may want to monitor his innings, and using a spot starter to help give not just Anderson but the rest of the starters some rest down the stretch is possible.

Although primarily a starter in his career, Tomlin has made 14 relief appearances since 2012, but the results have been less impressive. He’s posted an 8.39 ERA while allowing opponents to hit at a .343 clip when he comes out of the pen. With a 1.82 WHIP, it’s clear he’s better suited in the rotation, but with the possible loss of Nick Hagadone for the season he may need to fill in out in the pen.

Next: The Sands of time..