Cleveland Indians: Did lack of trust in the bullpen cost a win?

The Cleveland Indians’ Corey Kluber is one of the best pitchers in the game, even with a “down year” in 2015. Did Terry Francona‘s concern with the bullpen force him to stick with Kluber too long?

I know, I know. It’s too early for conspiracy theories. The Cleveland Indians and Corey Kluber had a one-hitter going into the seventh. After Corey Dickerson‘s double, followed by Desmond Jenning’s RBI single–should Tito have made the move to the bullpen? Or did he simply feel more confident with Kluber?

What’s clear is at that point, Francona felt better going back out in the eight with the former Cy Young winner on the mound. After starting the inning with a flyout and then a walk, Kluber struck out Hank Conger. Kevin Kiermaier stole second and was called safe on a bang-bang play. The call was upheld by review. The next batter Logan Forsythe hit a two-run home run on a pitch that ran back over the plate.

If the reason was a lack of trust in the bullpen, Cody Allen solidified that theory with the game still on the line a few batters later. Down 3-1, the Indians’ closer served up another tw0-run home run, this one to Evan Longoria to put the game out of reach.

The Rays’ Matt Moore pitched a stellar seven innings, with a solo home run by Francisco Lindor the only real blemish on his line. Don’t get me wrong, one run isn’t going to win too many ball games this year. But this issue of trust–real or not–won’t bode well for the Indians starter or the guys out in the pen.

Kluber pitched a fantastic game, and should have been done after the seventh. Would the Tribe’s middle relief have done any better? We won’t know. But Allen allowing the home run in a non-save situation–something I’ve delved into before–is a troubling occurrence that isn’t new. I see inconsistencies with Allen that I believe could rear their head this summer. Yes, he was good last year–but I don’t see it happening again. 

Whatever the reason is, it’s still very early. The offense has shown some potential so there’s no reason to cast off the possibility that they won’t improve. But there are still several unknowns that the Indians need to figure out in the first few weeks.