Cleveland Indians: Projecting the three-man Wild Card round rotation

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – JULY 08: Pitcher Zach Plesac #34 of the Cleveland Indians warms up in the bullpen during summer workouts at Progressive Field on July 08, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

5. Pick Analysis. RHP. Zach Plesac. 34. player. Scouting Report. (4-2, 1.85 ERA)

2020 has been a roller-coaster season for young right-hander Zach Plesac, but with the way he’s pitched, he is likely in-line to get the ball in Game 2 of a best-of-three Wild Card series.

Plesac started the season in the Indians’ rotation, making three strong starts, but after earning a victory over the Chicago White Sox on August 8, he made a poor decision as he broke COVID-19 protocols to attend a social gathering with friends.

As punishment, he was optioned to the teams’ alternate site in Lake County and was not recalled until August 31 after Clevinger, who was also optioned for attending the same gathering, was dealt to San Diego at the trade deadline.

Since rejoining the Indians, Plesac has made four starts and is 3-1, has lowered his season ERA to an outstanding 1.85 and even threw the fourth immaculate inning in Cleveland’s history.

While some may still be angry with the right-hander, the numbers prove he is the Indians’ second most effective pitcher behind Bieber and is deserving of a Game 2 start that could either send Cleveland to the ALDS in California or set-up a winner take all Game 3.

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