Cleveland Indians: No good news when it comes to Corey Kluber

Cleveland Indians fans may have been relying on Corey Kluber’s return at some point in September. That does not appear to be happening.

About a month ago I was optimistic about a September featuring the returns of both Carlos Carrasco and Corey Kluber.

The former has indeed made his return as a member of the Cleveland Indians bullpen. Kluber is still out with no definitive timetable for a return.

Kluber suffered a broken arm on May 1. Once that injury healed he began to make rehab starts until the bad news struck on August 20. He was removed from a Triple-A start with an oblique strain. That was the last time he was on the mound.

A recent MLB.com article, written by Sarah Wexler, went through and shared some Indians injury updates. Kluber’s was less than uplifting:

Right-hander Corey Kluber is still not working out on land since experiencing a setback with his oblique last month. Kluber, who hasn’t pitched in a game since fracturing his right ulna (forearm) on May 1, continues to be limited to water-based exercises.

Uh, not being able to work out on land? That is not a good sign for a human being.

This is obviously bad news for Kluber’s chances of returning this year. I also wonder if he would earn a roster spot in October after missing so much time. I want to say I doubt he would get a spot, but this is one of the best pitchers in Indians history we are talking about.

For now I won’t even dive into such a topic. At least not until Kluber is actually able to work out on land. That seems like a basic qualification to even begin discussing a potential return. The rehab process is also a bit more complicated now that the minor league seasons are over.

If he does come back it would only be as a member of the bullpen. Having him and Carrasco in the bullpen in October would certainly be a make or break decision for Terry Francona.