Cleveland Indians: Three in-house prospects who could be the fifth starter

Jean Carlos Mejia

After the outing from Hentges forced the Cleveland Indians to use multiple bullpen arms in the first game of the series with the Angels, the team made a move to call up Jean Carlos Mejia for an extra arm, a similar move to when Hentges joined the big league club. A 24-year old right-handed pitcher that stands 6-foot-5, this could be the beginning of Mejia’s major league debut.

What Mejia has going for him that Hentges didn’t is a minor league season. Hentges didn’t get the chance to pitching in Triple-A before the Tribe needed him in Cleveland, whereas Mejia has made two appearances with the Columbus Clippers.

In his first start, he tossed four scoreless innings, giving up just two hits while walking four and striking out another four. As for his second start, he went five innings and gave up two runs, both solo home runs, while striking out six.

With an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 1.22, Mejia makes for an intriguing option. He doesn’t make the impression that he would be a long-term answer, but he could be the bridge that fills the role through the rest of the season or until a different move can be made. Essentially, he falls into the category of an Adam Plutko, Ryan Merritt, Jefry Rodriguez type player, which could be very crucial to the team’s success this season.