Cleveland Indians: 2 players who’ve justified team’s faith and 1 who hasn’t

Nick Sandlin

How many of you were expecting this name to crop up? Relief pitcher Nick Sandlin has flown under the radar since his call-up in April to replace the aforementioned Logan Allen. Most of the Indians relievers have been cast in the shadow of flame-throwing dynamos James Karinchak and Emmanual Clase, but more attention should be paid to the valuable innings Sandlin has given the Indians.

In 17 2/3 innings, for the Indians, Sandlin owns a 2.04ERA and has sent down an impressive 26 batters via the strikeout. A lot of those relief appearances haven’t come late in close games, since Cleveland has a formidable late inning trio, but he has provided meaningful innings pitched in the middle innings during a tough stretch where the Tribe’s starting pitching has wobbled due to injury and inconsistency.

So far Sandlin has repaid the Indians’ faith in him, especially as he only had nine total innings pitched in Triple-A, and his role should expand later in games as the Tribe’s bullpen racks up innings due to the wounded starting rotation which currently only has one true, healthy and reliable starter.

Harold Ramirez

There is something so very likeable and infectious about Harold Ramirez. You cannot help but root for the guy. Although his overall numbers are nothing to get overly excited for, he came up to the big league club at a time when the offense was at its nadir. The team was near the bottom in most offensive categories and they were particularly putrid in the clutch.

But since being called up in May, the “other Ramirez” has hit a slick .324 with RISP and .308 with a man in scoring position and two outs. Since the beginning of June he has kicked his overall hitting up a notch, batting .324 through 11 games, so far, this month. Harold was claimed off waivers in February after spending all but two games in 2020 on the IL, which makes his success all the more compelling.

When Harold steps on a baseball field he comes with goal of leaving blood and sweat on the field, and that is an attitude and effort that will endear you to any Clevelander’s heart. He is becoming a firm fan favorite and has made his presence felt in the lineup with many clutch moments. The hope is that it continues long into the season.

Triston McKenzie

I hate to leave on a negative note, but this next name has to be the biggest disappointment for Tribe management and fans, alike. Starting pitcher Triston McKenzie looked the business in the 30-something frames he hurled in 2020. He came with much fanfare and showed his talent with the ease in which he made hitters look foolish. He has continued to, at times, make opposing batters look comical at the plate. Sadly, he has also proven himself to be the most chaotic arm in almost any rotation in baseball.

In 42 1/3 innings pitched in the Majors in 2021, McKenzie has racked up 49 Ks; good enough for a 12.5 K per 9IP ratio – impressive. However, at the same time he has walked 39 batters – almost one per inning – to lead the league. And he has only allowed 28 hits! Which is the most frustrating part of it all.

Without the deluge of free passes, McKenzie would be one of the best pitchers in baseball right now. But he cannot stop getting into three-ball counts and walking batters. Which puts his team in a precarious position to compete in ball games, and also puts undue pressure on the bullpen since he rarely lasts five innings due to high pitch count.

McKenzie still has plenty of time to rectify things and an opportunity to do it at the major league level given the emergency the Cleveland Indians are in when it comes to their rotation. Maybe come September, there will be an article devoted to the wonder that is the man they call ‘Sticks’. But, as of now, he represents the most disappointing player for the Indians this season. And that includes Yu Chang. Poor company, indeed.