Cleveland Indians: Danny Salazar Placed on World Series Roster

The Cleveland Indians will see the return of Danny Salazar in the World Series. He has not pitched in a game since September 9.

With the news of Kyle Schwarber potentially returning for the Chicago Cubs, the Cleveland Indians have a returning player of their own in the World Series.

Danny Salazar was added to the roster for the World Series, giving the team another strong arm either in the rotation or out of the bullpen.

Cody Anderson did not make a postseason appearance and was expected to be the first one left off in the case of Salazar returning.

There is no announcement on Salazar’s role in the series, but it is just nice to have him back. With him being the fourth starter on the roster, he could appear as early as Game 1 or even make a start in Game 4 or 5 if needed. But what matters most is that he is back and able to help the team.

So much energy was devoted to worrying about how the team would do without Salazar and Carlos Carrasco, so perhaps getting one back will only improve upon an already great postseason.

It would be difficult to put Salazar on the mound for a start if the team was down 3-0 or even 2-1, although any start he may have could easily turn into a bullpen day not just because of performance, but due to a pitch limit after returning from injury.

His return brings up the discussion of whether he or Ryan Merritt deserves a start if given the opportunity, but that will ultimately be determined by more than just reputation. Terry Francona has been able to manage his pitching staff unbelievably well in October, so he will no doubt continue to do so in the World Series.

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This may mean Salazar does not start a game, but he will surely have an impact in some way.