Cleveland Indians: Salazar’s shoulder issues has big effect on club

Cleveland Indians righty Danny Salazar has gone through his fair share of injury issues. One of those issues appears to be continuing to bother him.

Salazar’s shoulder again appears to be the issue, being diagnosed with inflammation in his right rotator cuff.

He missed his first bullpen session of the spring because of the issue and could be in danger of missing the start of the season. He is apparently “weeks behind” the other pitchers, according to Bastian.

Salazar struggled with shoulder issues last season as well, so this news is definitely worrisome. The talented, but injury prone pitcher could be dealing with a recurring injury, which not only scares the Cleveland Indians, but other teams as well.

Hasn’t Salazar been on the trade block?

He has, and it makes sense why the Tribe were trying to move him in light of this news. However, this shoulder issue is the reason he’s still on the team. With a frozen free agent and trade market, plenty of teams were calling the Indians about Salazar, but none were willing to make a deal because this injury would have come up before the deal was finalized.

Even if a team were still willing to do the deal knowing about Salazar’s current injury, the return would be significantly lower than what it would be if he was healthy. Until Salazar can prove to everyone he is healthy, he’s going to remain with the Tribe.

What’s the impact on the rotation?

The top three are still Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, and Trevor Bauer. But it was Salazar, Mike Clevinger, Josh Tomlin, and Ryan Merritt battling for the last two spots. There was such good depth, that Clevinger might have even been sent to Triple-A to start the year.

Now, since Salazar is reportedly unlike to be healthy for the start of the season, that battle is down to three players for two spots. Clevinger and Tomlin would figure to be the favorites to land those spots.

This is where the Cleveland Indians starting pitching depth comes in handy. For most teams, losing a guy like Salazar could force them to make a trade or free agent signing to prevent their rotation from becoming a weak spot. But since the Tribe has seven pitchers could be productive starters, there’s no need to panic.

Next: Rajai Davis is back with Cleveland?

Salazar has plenty of talent to become perhaps a top of the rotation type starter, but he needs to get healthy first, and his 2018 season is not off to a good start.