Cleveland Indians: Previewing the 2017 starting rotation

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Sep 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Carlos Carrasco

There are few members of this Indians team that are more interesting than Carlos Carrasco.

After getting off to a rocky start earlier in his career, the Indians took a step back with him. They’ve seen returns on that time investment, but as Carrasco has become a better starting pitcher, he’s dealt with a lot of injury problems.

Carrasco fell to an injury in 2016 and missed the postseason. He was on his way to the best year of his career, but two injuries derailed that. After all the success the team had without him, he will surely be ready to go when 2017 kicks off.

Again, there are injury concerns with Carrasco, as he deals with an issue in his elbow, but the optimism still rides high.

The Indians seem to think his elbow is not an issue, but I’m not so sure. He might start the season, but he will land on the DL sooner or later. Anytime a pitcher complains about his elbow, there’s a reason behind it and Carrasco will be no different.

That said, if Carrasco can avoid significant time on the DL, he can have himself a career year. He has shown signs that he has finally put it all together, and it’s important to remember that he only just turned 30 in March.

The Indians proved they can do it without him, but his presence would certainly provide a big boost to an already stacked rotation.

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