4 Options for the Fifth Starter Role

The Cleveland Indians have several options at the fifth spot in the rotation for the rest of September.

The Cleveland Indians began the year with a great reputation surrounding the starting pitching staff. Certain players had some problems throughout the year, but there was never a glaring issue needing addressed.

That has all changed in the past month, as Josh Tomlin went from a reliable starter to a liability. In his last six starts he has gone 0-5, allowing 10 home runs while only lasting more than 4 2/3 innings once.

The home runs allowed by Tomlin ultimately became his undoing, leading to his scheduled start on Monday being skipped. The job was assumed by eight relievers in what is being declared a “bullpen day.”

That fifth starter spot is scheduled to pitch this Saturday against the Minnesota Twins, but Terry Francona and the front office have yet to announce a decision on what will be done.

That decision could come later today, but until then let’s take a look at four options the Indians can pursue each time that fifth starter spot comes up in the rotation. Once the playoffs begin, and once the Indians hopefully make it, this problem will fade away, but it is important to give the team the best chance to win every five days until then.

Next: Stick with the Bullpen Day