Cleveland Indians opening the season with a healthy starting rotation

The Cleveland Indians are set to open the 2017 season with a healthy starting rotation, which is a relief after all the injuries a year ago.

Cleveland Indians fans are currently receiving a steady stream of great news. From Jose Ramirez‘s extension to Michael Brantley getting some everyday action in Arizona, things are looking great for the start of the season.

Fans can add another reason to be happy as the Indians announced the starting rotation to open the season.

Just as it was planned, Corey Kluber will open the season, followed by Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar, Josh Tomlin, and Trevor Bauer.

In contrast to the starting lineup, which is already dealing with injuries, the starting rotation gives fans a reason to be optimistic once again. Injuries and struggles may come up throughout the year, but it is great to start a season with the five planned starters. It only helps that all five have legitimate starting experience, leaving no weak spots among the group.

There were early fears that Kluber or Carrasco may need some extra time to prepare for the season, but that is the beauty of the preseason. Speculation usually gives way to truth, and all the initial fears turned out to be for naught.

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Both pitchers may earn some rest throughout the season, but there is no point to rest either at the beginning if they are completely healthy and ready to go. Sitting them out now may do more harm than good.

The good news continues as the depth in the rotation is there, as players like Mike Clevinger and Ryan Merritt can be called up at any time and give the team a chance to win. There are certain years when spot starters aren’t put out there with much confidence, but that won’t be the case in 2017.

The strong bullpen will also help the starters, as they won’t need to go as deep in games. If the Indians have a lead heading into the sixth inning, the bullpen can take over. This is true for any team, but the Indians have such a dominant group in the ‘pen that there is less of an advantage for an opposing team once the starter leaves the game.

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The pitching helped carry the team a year ago, and it will happen once again this season. Just be sure to get your Jobu dolls out and wish for a healthy year for the five starters.