Cleveland Indians’ Fifth Starter Job Is Open Heading Into 2016: Weekly Wroundtable
Aug 20, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin (43) pitches against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Does Josh Tomlin Deserve the Job?
Ryan Rosko: Josh Tomlin should be the favorite. However, the team may need to figure out not just fifth starter but their fourth starter too if they trade a starting pitcher for more offense this offseason. I do not like starting rotations of all a certain handed (all right/left handed), but then again the team needs to use their best pitchers regardless.
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Tomlin has a done a very good job since being a staple at the back end of the rotation. Could T.J. House improve next season after he heals from injury and be a legitimate contender? Maybe, but that’s unlikely.
As Nick mentioned, with an offseason to heal, Tomlin could do big things as the number five starter. In fact, as long as he stays healthy early in 2016 there should be no reason why he is removed from the rotation.
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Jeff Mount: Tomlin has earned it. In 76 career starts he has made it through the fifth inning 67 times. At his best he will get you to the eighth with a chance to win. At his worst he will usually not burn up the bullpen. Not a lot of teams have fifth starters who can do that consistently.
My dark horse candidate is Gavin Floyd. I would not be surprised to see him in spring training on a minor league deal. They may decide his arm will hold up better pitching an inning at a time, but if he shows up and is throwing well, he may get a shot at the fifth spot.
Having Anderson and House ready at Columbus is ideal, so I would not mess that up by trading a starter. We have seen over the past couple of weeks how quickly the depth of a rotation can be decimated.
Next: Is Cody Anderson a Better Choice?