Cleveland Indians: The 2022 starting rotation is already set and it’s promising

Zach Plesac, SP, Cleveland Indians

It seems like every time Zach Plesac appears to be turning the corner on the mound to get to the next level of his potential something non-baseball related happens. Whether it be partying during COVID or aggressively removing his shirt, Plesac’s issues away from the mound have been what has kept him from tapping into his full potential.

Like Bieber and Civale, Plesac had an injury this year, thanks to a rogue chair that got in the way of his thumb in the locker room. However, Plesac has been the only one of the “Big Three” to return already this season. Unfortunately, the results haven’t been what was hoped for.

After missing all of June, Plesac has made seven starts between July and August. He has managed to allow at least two runs in every single one of those seven starts. Over that time he’s posted an ERA of 5.40. Over 38.1 innings he’s managed to strikeout just 29 batters while walking seven and giving up 10 doubles and nine home runs.

That’s not promising, but the good news is that might be the most concerning thing for the starting rotation going into next year. Plesac’s shown his potential, posting a 2.28 ERA in 2020, but consistency just hasn’t been there.

An offseason to get fully healthy and a Spring Training to find his groove again should hopefully get Plesac back on track. Plus, not being the far-and-away best pitcher of the rotation should relieve some pressure as well.