Cleveland Indians: What’s next for Bieber and Plutko?

Shane Bieber and Adam Plutko have shown to be valuable assets for the Cleveland Indians. Now the biggest question is how the team will use them going forward.

It looks like the Cleveland Indians have found their fifth starter. Shane Bieber has filled the role admirably. Particularly in his last start, Bieber was just outstanding. While he did allow 10 hits, he racked up seven strikeouts and just one earned run.

As for Adam Plutko, he’s been moved to the bullpen until June 26th, when he is slated to make his next start. Plutko has been effective, but he’s plagued by the home run ball. He’s allowed eight homers in five starts. That could be why the team has moved him into the bullpen for the time being.

So what does the future hold for these two? Bieber’s first option will be used up after this year, and Plutko’s second option will be used. So since Josh Tomlin has seemingly lost his role as the team’s fifth starter, which of these two will be used in that spot? How will the odd man out be used? Let’s take a closer look.

Shane Bieber

Bieber looks like the clear cut favorite and there’s good reason for that. He’s been the quickest climber in the Tribe system, as he was just playing A-ball in 2017 and worked his way up rapidly. He’s known for his remarkable command; something that Josh Tomlin made a living off of.

He has an xFIP of 3.20 which is fairly good. His 10.32 strikeouts per nine innings is really good. Bieber has excelled as a strikeout pitcher since his days in the minor leagues. So what would keep the Tribe from allowing him to stay as the team’s fifth starter?

Well, this is all coming off a small sample size in the Major League level. He’s made two starts in the big leagues. The largest concern is he’s allowed seven extra base-hits. While those numbers aren’t awful, the Indians will want to keep an eye on that. They don’t want to hurt his confidence at this point in his career.

Another thing to keep an eye on is the use of his options. He may stay in the rotation for much of this year, but there’s no need to start him in the rotation next year. Carlos Carrasco is eligible for free agency in 2020, and Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer in 2021.

By keeping Bieber in the minors a bit longer, they can save him for when he is truly needed. I understand the desire to have him this year. The Indians feel like this is their window, and he fits the mold. But his future should be considered as well.

Adam Plutko

Adam Plutko has shown us two sides of himself. Against the Chicago Cubs he was downright dominant. Plutko allowed just two hits in his six innings of work against the Cubs and didn’t allow a run. Than we saw him against the White Sox. In two games against the White Sox he allowed 10 runs in 9.2 innings.

So his recent struggles have landed him in the bullpen for now. That’s okay, Plutko is a guy who could give the Tribe multiple innings out of the pen and he can work on lowering his susceptibility to the long-ball.

His .229 BABIP is something Plutko has going for him. His not allowing many hits outside of home-runs. If Plutko can stop allowing teams to elevate his fastball, and get a little command behind it, he may find his way back in the rotation.

Next: The odd sight of a bad Kluber start

It’s not likely that both of these pitchers will stay in the Major’s. But they both have bright futures ahead. In my opinion, Bieber should stay in the rotation, while Plutko returns to the Triple-A for the time being. He tossed a no-hitter in Columbus and was two outs away from a perfect game. More performances like that will give him a good confidence boost.

The two could be a staple of the Tribe rotation for a long time. Even if they don’t play all year this year. It’s exciting to think about a rotation of Mike Clevinger, Bieber, Plutko, and Triston McKenzie in the Tribe’s future.