Cleveland Indians: Salazar and Carrasco Set to Receive Early Spring Starts

The Cleveland Indians need healthy seasons from both Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco, and both appear to be back at full health for 2017.

The first spring training game is just one day away, as Ryan Merritt will take the mound for the Cleveland Indians to open up the 2017 season.

And while Merritt is not expected to be in the starting rotation, the two pitchers taking the mound after him are expected to be major pieces.

Danny Salazar will get the start on Sunday, while Carlos Carrasco will start on Monday. Both had disappointing ends to 2016, although Salazar was able to make two World Series appearances, logging a total of three innings in relief.

The late-season injuries to both pitchers left fans questioning what could have been if both were healthy, and Corey Kluber didn’t have to pitch six times in the postseason.

But we can solve nothing by looking back, and must continue to look forward and be excited about the return of two of the best pitchers in the American League.

The fact both are ready to go in February is a great sign, as it appears both are back to their normal selves. As stated before, Salazar pitched in the World Series, but Carrasco was wearing a cast throughout the postseason.

Both returning will help take some of the stress off Kluber, who carried the rotation all throughout 2016. He got some help from Josh Tomlin and Trevor Bauer in the playoffs, but it was clear who the ace was all throughout October and November.

Their respective returns also means Kluber can get some rest during the season, allowing Salazar and Carrasco to be at the top of the rotation while a player like Merritt or Mike Clevinger receives a spot start if Kluber needs a day off.

As with the expected return of Michael Brantley, Indians fans should be excited about what a healthy team can accomplish in 2017. After making it so far in 2016 while shorthanded, this team is destined for great things this season.

Next: Position Players with Most to Prove in Spring

Staying healthy will be the key, but for now it is just nice to see Salazar and Carrasco back in action.