Cleveland Indians should use Trevor Bauer out of the bullpen

The Cleveland Indians should move starting pitcher Trevor Bauer to the bullpen for their series against the Houston Astros.

Yes, you read that headline correctly. The Cleveland Indians should put American League Cy Young contender Trevor Bauer in the bullpen for the Division Series against the Houston Astros.

Two things people are probably thinking, 1) hasn’t this guy already suggested Bauer to the bullpen, and 2) why put arguably the Tribe’s best pitcher in 2018 in the bullpen?!

First off, you’re not wrong, I have suggested this Bauer to the bullpen before (and yes, I was wrong there). However, this is the playoffs and things are never as simple as we want them to be, which is why putting a guy who was arguably the American League Cy Young favorite pre-injury in the bullpen is actually a move that could greatly benefit the Indians and get them past the defending champion Astros.

Bauer isn’t starting in Houston

One of the first reasons the Indians should put Bauer in the bullpen is that he won’t be starting either of the first two games of the series, as the Indians have already announced that Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco will be starting in Houston. This means that if Bauer is in the rotation, he can start, at most, one game in the series. Doesn’t matter if it is Game 3 or 4, Bauer would only be able to start once.

Sure, he could be lights out in that start and lead the Indians to a victory. However, that’s potentially the only six or seven innings he’d see in the entire series, and if he’s going to start Game 4 with Mike Clevinger in Game 3, there is actually no guarantee we ever see Bauer in the series, which is not ideal at all (with either Clevinger or Bauer).

What I’m proposing is using Bauer more like Andrew Miller was in 2016. Have him be a bullpen ace and pitch every game (or just about). Bauer could go 2-3 innings two or three times, or potentially an inning or two in all five games (again, if it goes that far). Bauer will have the added benefit of two built in off days thanks to the way the Division Series is laid out, which would allow a starter like Bauer to come back easier in games.

Plus, Bauer is a unique pitcher who would probably pitch every day if the Indians allowed him to. In fact, he’s said before he would love to pitch every game (back during the 2016 playoffs).

"“I like pitching,” Bauer said. “The more I can pitch, the better. I feel like I prepare myself in a certain way that lends itself to being able to come back on short rest. My arm never hurts. I feel good, strong, healthy. “Frankly, I’d like to pitch every game, if possible, just because I like to compete.”"

Sounds like a guy ready for bullpen action no?