Cleveland Indians: Once healthy, Cleveland’s roster can still contend

Cleveland Indians Bullpen

Despite having a few bumps recently, the bullpen of the Cleveland Indians is still one of the best in the game right now. They are being stretched thin due to the struggles of the starting rotation, but once the rotation returns to full strength, the bullpen should be able to follow suit.

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Even after a difficult month that saw the bullpen’s ERA well above 5.00 over the last 30 days, the Cleveland Indians are still boasting the fourth-best bullpen ERA in baseball. With a mark of 3.33, only the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants have better bullpen numbers.

The Tribe’s bullpen is also sixth for strikeouts while being one of the most successful teams in save situations. Cleveland has 22 saves in 27 save situations (.815). No other team is above. 800.

Once the starting pitching stabilizes, the Cleveland Indians will be able to cut games down to seven innings again before turning it over the dominant bullpen that has been lights out late in games. Having Bryan Shaw, Emmanuel Clase and James Karinchak late in games is great, but they haven’t been able to be used in their best situations due to the weakness of the rotation.

The Cleveland Indians are close to being back to full strength. Once they are, this team is ready to roll through the second half of the season. Getting through July will be difficult, but if they can just stay afloat and get healthy, the Tribe will be a dangerous team to face. The best part is, most of these players will be back next season with the addition of rising stars in the minors.