Cleveland Indians: 4-point checklist for the month of August

Cleveland Indians 4-point checklist for the month of August

The Cleveland Indians managed to putter through the month of July and came out just barely above .500. The month was known to be a huge test for the organization and the string of injuries that carried through the month didn’t help the cause. However, the team still made it through with a fighting chance at the postseason.

Now, moving pieces at the deadline the way the Tribe did, seeing the end of Cesar Hernandez and Eddie Rosario‘s careers in Cleveland, it would seem like this team is looking beyond 2021 at the future. Albeit an uphill climb, Cleveland is far from out of the running and a decently productive August could keep them in the mix.

Even if the team falls out of contention, there’s other things to play for. With such a young roster, there’s a lot of intrigue about getting more players playing time before the end of the season to get ready for the 2022 campaign.

Before we start looking too far ahead, though, we need to focus on what’s in front of us and that’s August. The upcoming month could either finish what July started in breaking the Tribe’s spirit for the season, or it could serve as the kickstart for the club’s postseason hopes. Regardless of the route the month takes, these four things need to be at the forefront of August.

Cleveland Indians need to be 100% healthy

Both Shane Bieber and Aaron Civale were placed on the 60-day injured list recently, which really didn’t change their timelines. However, both could potentially be back in the next few weeks which would go a long way for the club.

Cleveland has attempted to piece together a starting rotation since the injuries, but the need for the true starters to return is near dire. There’s starting to be more consistency amongst the prospects, specifically Cal Quantrill, but getting Bieber and Civale back immediately takes this group to a whole new level.

If Bieber and Civale come back when the team is still in contention for a Wild Card spot, then the outlook for the rest of the season completely shifts. If the club can keep their head above water until then, they having a standing chance.

If not, then we get an early glance at what the rotation could be next season. A healthy Big Three, plus an open audition for the final two sports would be a huge plus for the organization, especially considering the positive outlook already present for next season.

Cleveland Indians need to end August within three games of the Wild Card

As it currently stands, the Tribe are six games out of the Wild Card race in the American League. The Central seems out of reach after all the additions the Chicago White Sox made before taking nearly a double-digit lead in the standings, being 8.5 up. However, the Wild Card is still within reach and cutting that mark in half during August would be huge.

The 5-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday after holding their own against Chicago is what makes this point seem a bit more possible. Toronto and Chicago both were heavy buyers at the deadline to make a playoff push and, despite selling, Cleveland looked like a team that could contend with them.

A big boost in that regard has come from the starting pitching improving. That has taken pressure off the rest of the roster and has everyone settled in a bit more. That improvement paired with the easier schedule in August makes it seem possible to gain ground in the race.

We’re not asking to overcome the deficit. Clearing six games in one month is hard, but three games is doable. The current teams holding Wild Card spots are Oakland and Boston, both being on the August schedule for Cleveland. Between the Tribe and those spots are the Yankees, Mariners and Blue Jays who are all passable. It’s a bit of a stretch, but it’s not impossible.

Cleveland Indians need to take advantage of long home stands

During the month of August the Cleveland Indians have a grand total of 16 home games split being two home stands. The first will span from Aug. 6 until Aug. 12 with the second going from Aug. 20 to Aug. 29 with one off day. Originally the first homestand was supposed to have an off day as well, but instead the team will have a makeup game against Cincinnati.

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The key here is that while the team will be home a lot, that doesn’t exactly help them. So far this season Cleveland is just 26-23 at home. That’s above .500, but the hope is that teams are well above .500 at home and that just hasn’t been the case for the Tribe thus far.

It doesn’t help that in July the team fell below .500 for the first time in a single month this season, going 9-15 overall. Bouncing back from that won’t be easy, but the frequently aforementioned easier schedule will help in that department.

Being that the teams coming to Progressive Field are the Tigers, Reds, A’s, Angels, Rangers and Red Sox, the team has a huge opportunity at home. You can split this teams into pretty much two categories. Teams that are very sweep-able and teams the Tribe are chasing in the Wild Card race. Either way, wins at home, in fact sweeps at home, are near musts in August against that schedule.