Cleveland Indians would be smart to give Corey Kluber some rest

Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber was forced to leave Tuesday night’s start after just three innings, and some time off may be a good thing.

The Detroit Tigers have won four games against the Cleveland Indians this season, which matches their total from the 2016 season. What a monumental milestone.

Last night’s victory was aided by a rough night from Corey Kluber, who allowed five runs before being pulled after the third inning for what was described as lower back discomfort.

The good news was that the combination of Shawn Armstrong, Nick Goody, and Boone Logan combined for five no-hit innings, but the offense was once again in hiding as the Indians lost, 5-2.

The bad news is that this back issue may be something that has been a lingering problem for Kluber, who has seemingly just dealt with it.

Kluber has had a shaky start to the 2017 season. He built up a 6.38 ERA through his first three starts, only to pitch a complete-game shutout in his fourth outing. His fifth outing was another victory, which had fans optimistic that he was back to his old self.

Then last night happened and the concern is back. At this point, it would make sense to put Kluber on the 10-day DL. It is early in the season and if he continues pitching hurt, things will only get worse.

Mike Clevinger has had an amazing start to the season in Columbus and can come up right away for a start or two.

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The 34.1 innings of work in the postseason may or may not be the cause for Kluber’s back problem. His workload was brought up in spring training, but he seemed to work through it without a problem.

We now know that is not the case, and Kluber needs to take some time off. As Cleveland Cavaliers fans have seen, some rest for star players keeps them fresh for the most important games of the year.

If the Indians continue to remain at the top of the AL Central, and Clevinger can hold his own, it would make sense to periodically give Kluber rest throughout the season if his back is causing him even the slightest of discomfort.

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The Indians are going to need Kluber for another deep postseason run, and if the offense can wake up and provide run support for Clevinger in some spot starts, a few days offs for the ace would do wonders for his health and stamina later in the year.