Cleveland Indians: 3 takeaways from the final series of the first half

The Cleveland Indians ended the first half with a loss, but the series was still a success as the Indians took two of three. Here is what stood out.

After outscoring the Detroit Tigers by a combined 15-2 in the first two games of the weekend, the Cleveland Indians couldn’t muster enough offense in Sunday’s 5-3 loss. Corey Kluber was on the mound, continuing the long tradition of not getting him enough run support.

But winning the series is a positive, as the Indians head into the break with a record of 47-40 and a place atop the American League Central division.

The team doesn’t play another game until Friday, but there is a large contingent from the Indians down in Miami for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Before that gets underway, let’s take a look back at what stood out from the weekend against the Tigers.

1. Two injury scares

Indians fans are no strangers to injured players, and that continued during the series against the Tigers.

Both Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis left games with injuries, and Kipnis has already been placed on the 10-day disabled list. Chisenhall hasn’t been placed on the DL yet, but it is possible he ends up there later this week.

We don’t know if these injuries will keep either player out for a long period of time, but injuries before the break aren’t a great sign. However, getting nearly a week off could help both of them heal faster than if they were trying to rush back.

2. Kluber’s bad starts are still great

Corey Kluber had an off night on Sunday. He only lasted five innings and struck out eight batters, which was his shortest start since May 2 and the first time since June 9 he failed to strike out at least 10 batters.

Kluber was let down by his offense, as his outing was still plenty for the team to win on most nights. The problem was he was already at 101 pitches through five innings, even though he only allowed three hits and walked three batters.

Five innings is shockingly short for Kluber after the streak he has been on, which shows fans just dominant he has been since returning from the DL. Getting some rest this week should help him recharge for the second half and continue being one of the best pitchers in baseball.

3. First at the break

The Indians haven’t had a great start to the year, but they are in first place and that is all that matters. Those outside Cleveland can talk about how weak the division is or how the Indians are underachieving, but if they win the division, none of those narratives matter.

Next: 5 Indians minor leaguers who are future All-Stars

Challenges will continue to arise during the second half, but as long as the team remains in first there is no room for anyone to be overly upset.