Cleveland Indians: Ryan Merritt called up to make second start in 2017

A doubleheader means the Cleveland Indians need another pitcher, which allows Ryan Merritt to show off his skills once again in 2017.

Cleveland Indians fans are in for a treat today as the team is set for a doubleheader in Minnesota, a place the Indians haven’t lost all season.

The roster is given a free extra man on days like this and Ryan Merritt is the beneficiary of the rule, and will be starting the second game today.

It will be Merritt’s third appearance of the season and his second start, with his first start coming in a 9-3 victory over the Twins back on May 17. He only lasted four innings, but it was good enough to get his team a win.

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Merritt will always hold a special place in the hearts of Indians fans after his solid performance in the 2016 ALCS, but there appears to be no room for him to crack this rotation anytime soon.

When Josh Tomlin is healthy, there are six capable starters, leaving Merritt as the seventh man. He may get some action once the rosters expand if the Indians clinch the division early, but becoming a regular part of the rotation is out of the question, barring any major injuries.

But as we saw last year, plans change and unexpected players are called upon to perform in crucial situations.

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Having Merritt get some action during the regular season helps him prepare himself for big moments, although fans likely aren’t worried about him after he refused to shake in his boots last October.