Cleveland Indians: Who will be the one to step up on offense?

May 5, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) connects for a double in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) connects for a double in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Indians will need a player or two to step up and be the dominant bat in the lineup to help with the recent lack of runs.

Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez got off to blazing fast starts for the Cleveland Indians, but have since cooled off.

Michael Brantley surprised us all with a dominant return to the starting lineup, but has leveled out.

Edwin Encarnacion did go 2-for-4 Friday night with a home run, but his .210 average and five home runs on the season aren’t exactly what fans had in mind.

And now that the Indians have scored just seven runs in the past four games, fans may be left wondering which of the big names is going to step up and be the player who is a threat to opposing pitchers every time he steps to the plate.

Ramirez is the top candidate right now, as he leads the team in most offensive categories. However, his .342 average earlier this year is now down to .314 as he has just five hits in his last seven games.

One player cannot solve all the team’s problems, but it may come down to one guy giving the rest of the team some energy after the recent struggles.

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Fans don’t want to see more great pitching performances wasted, especially with how great the bullpen has been this year. Any lead is essentially safe with the group, if a lead can be achieved.

Josh Tomlin is on the mound today for the Indians, sporting a 8.87 ERA in five starts this season. He did pick up a victory last Sunday, but he allowed four runs in what was a rare offensive outburst by the Indians in a 12-4 win.

But with the way the week has gone, allowing four runs may not do the job. However, the Indians have had two of their best offensive games this season when Tomlin is on the mound, so maybe he is the good luck charm.

Next: 5 players who surprised in April

Today’s game is on FS1, so be sure to call your grandparents and let them know before they end up watching Jimmy Hanlin reruns on STO.

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