Cleveland Indians: Josh Tomlin’s recent success a pleasant surprise

With Danny Salazar returning, Josh Tomlin was in danger of losing a spot in the rotation. We look at his recent success and the case to keep his spot.

Josh Tomlin has responded well to the criticism from fans and analysts alike that he has received all season long. He has a record of 7-9 with a 5.59 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 81 strikeouts in 106.1 inning pitched.

Tomlin’s starts as of late have helped improve his season line. His last three games have been gems and he has had a quality start in each of them.

Tomlin’s first game of the recent stretch came against the Padres. He went seven strong innings giving up just two runs and four hits on the day.

This game also saw him strikeout six batters. He mixed his pitches and located them well which helped him avoid giving up any home runs, something he has been very susceptible to in his career.

Tomlin’s next start saw him go another strong 7.1 innings giving up three runs on six hits against the Giants. He also added another five strikeouts in another game of no home runs given up.

More from Away Back Gone

• Cleveland Guardians tantalizingly close to locking up AL Central tiebreakers
• Cleveland Guardians: Terry Francona becomes meme in profanity-laced ejection
• Say goodbye to defensive shifts and hello to bigger bases, pitch clock in 2023
• Cleveland Guardians: Shane Bieber second-fastest to 800 strikeouts in major-league history
• The next week will make or break the Cleveland Guardians’ season

In his most recent start, he went six strong innings giving up two runs on four hits striking out six.

While he did give up two home runs, they were both solo shots. All six of his strikeouts came consecutively in what was a dominant showing from the veteran pitcher.

Josh Tomlin is not a strikeout pitcher so seeing him get 5+ in each of his last three starts is pleasing. He gave up runs but kept the Tribe in every game he started.

With Danny Salazar returning and Tomlin being a potential casualty of the Indians’ rotation, these last three starts have helped his case.

And with Trevor Bauer struggling, Tomlin has seized the opportunity to prove his own worth.

Next: Edwin had his big moment

Josh Tomlin will need to continue his recent string of success. While the recent success is great, a setback or two could send him right back into replacement conversation.