Cleveland Indians Roundup: Indians Winning Despite Injuries; Danny Salazar’s Pitch Repertoire; Series Preview

The Cleveland Indians’ Danny Salazar opened up about his pitching repertoire

If one were to take a look at the Cleveland Indians’ injuries, that person would surely write off the team. With Michael Brantley spending most of the season on the disabled list, the outfield has been a collection of major league hopefuls and aging veterans. Back-up catcher Roberto Perez couldn’t avoid the injury bug either, and he might not be back until much later in the season. 

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Even the pitchers failed to stay healthy. Carlos Carrasco, whom I picked to win the American League Cy Young Award, hurt his hamstring and, and now Joba Chamberlain is on the shelf. It would be so easy for the Indians to make excuses, but instead, they have surged. As our own Henry Palatella notes, several players have stepped up to supplement the team. Josh Tomlin has been great, and the outfield bandage has been okay.

On a different note, Matt Bretz previewed the new series against the Baltimore Orioles. The Cleveland Indians entered the series with a one-game behind the Orioles for a Wild Card spot, rendering this series a must-win for the Tribe. The Indians sent out Trevor Bauer last night, and he pitched with mixed success. Allowing three runs over six innings, he kept the Tribe in the game, but he could have done a lot better. Zach McAllister was a bigger problem, as he allowed the two-run home run and the RBI double that pushed the Orioles well ahead.

Danny Salazar will face former-Indian Ubaldo Jimenez tonight. The two pitchers enter the game looking to turn things around a bit, as they both allowed four or more runs in their last start. That is perhaps one of the few similarities between the two pitchers. Salazar has been one of the best pitchers in the league; Jimenez, one of the worst.

Finally, David Laurila of FanGraphs spoke with Danny Salazar about his pitch repertoire. Salazar made some interesting comments about why he thinks he has been a top pitcher this year, and he also shed some light on his elite changeup. Apparently he has been throwing the pitch with the same grip since learning it from a stranger at the age of eight.

More from around the American League Central:

Cleveland Indians Drop Series Opener to Orioles 6-4 – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians Winning Despite Key Injuries – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians Beat the Chicago White Sox, Win Series – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians-Baltimore Orioles Series Preview – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians: The Joba Chamberlain Injury Leaves the Bullpen in Sorry Shape – Wahoo’s on First

Danny Salazar on His Repertoire (It’s Not a Split) – FanGraphs