4 Options for the Fifth Starter Role

Ryan Merritt

While Mike Clevinger has proved he is capable as a starter, he may be more valuable to the Indians coming out of the bullpen. This is where Ryan Merritt could come into play.

Merritt has only made two appearances for the Indians this season, logging a total of 5 1/3 innings, allowing no runs and only one hit.

He has spent the rest of the year with the Columbus Clippers, compiling an 11-8 record with a 3.70 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. He has logged 143 1/3 innings as the team’s main starter, helping the Clippers reach the playoffs.

While it would be nice for the Clippers to do well in the playoffs, Merritt would not complain if given a chance to play for the Indians. He can be put into the fifth starter spot with the same restrictions applied to Clevinger on Monday night. If he struggles early, the bullpen can be used as a fallback plan to salvage the game.

Merritt should join the club at some point this month, so the Indians should give the Clippers’ top arm to prove himself, even if only on a one-game trial basis. If he performs poorly, he can also go to the bullpen for the rest of the regular season.

Next: Josh Tomlin