Cleveland Indians: Storylines abound as the Indians take on the Blue Jays

The Cleveland Indians are back in Toronto for the first time since the 2016 ALCS, and there are plenty of storylines to follow in the series.

The last time Cleveland Indians fans saw the team take on the Toronto Blue Jays, Carlos Santana raised his arms toward the heavens as the Indians clinched a World Series berth.

The Indians are back tonight for the first time in 2017, and the theme of returns is evident. In fact, three stand out as the Indians look to continue what the Cavaliers started this past weekend.

1. The return of Yandy

Yandy Diaz was called up earlier this afternoon, and is getting into action right away.

Diaz is filling in for Michael Brantley, but it appears he may be here for more than just the weekend.

That could mean Diaz will replace Austin Jackson once the veteran’s DL stint concludes, or it may mean he is here to replace Michael Martinez.

But in the present, the team needed an extra bat and Diaz was the best option. As fans know, he started the season with the team and while he didn’t stand out as a star, the experience should be valuable to him as he makes his return.

2. The return of Trevor

Blue Jays fans are hostile, but Trevor Bauer made it easy for them in last year’s ALCS when he left his start due to an infamous drone incident.

The Indians ended up winning the game, but Bauer and his finger were a talking point throughout the postseason.

He will surely hear jeers from the crowd tonight, so hopefully it will serve as a form of motivation, because Bauer has been anything but dominant this season.

He only made it through four innings in his last outing, allowing seven runs and walking five Detroit Tiger batters.

Bauer’s 7.67 ERA must be improved upon soon, as Mike Clevinger‘s victory on Sunday showed he is ready for a full-time spot in the rotation. So let’s hope the Toronto faithful spark some motivation in Bauer.

3. The return of Edwin

While Indians fans are still waiting on greatness from Edwin Encarnacion, fans in Toronto are well aware of what he can do and are excited to see him back north of the border.

The Blue Jays played great baseball during Encarnacion’s tenure in Toronto, and the team’s current 11-20 record may have fans nostalgic for the good times.

Unlike Bauer, Encarnacion will surely receive a warm reception each time he steps up to the plate tonight. And perhaps a return to the stadium he called home for so long will spark a turnaround in his game.

Next: Diaz is back, Armstrong sent down

He does have at least one hit in each of his last three games, so a return to Toronto could see the slugger begin to flourish.