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

Cal Quantrill, SP, Cleveland Indians

The rise of Cal Quantrill this season has been well documented and now a solid start for him isn’t even newsworthy, but expected. Arriving as part of the Mike Clevinger trade a year ago, Quantrill has made nearly a seamless transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation this season and has positioned himself to be locked in for a back-end rotation spot in 2022.

Another member of the 2016 MLB Draft class, Quantrill was actually the highest drafted of Cleveland’s rotation, albeit by the San Diego Padres. In 2016, San Diego used the eighth overall selection on Quantrill. He struggled a bit early in his career, but seems to have found his stride in Cleveland.

It took some time for him to settle in, but once July hit he found it. Since the beginning of July, each of Quantrill’s starts have gone at least five innings. He also had a streak of five starts where he didn’t allow more than one run in any appearance.

Since his first start in July, Quantrill is maintaining an ERA of 2.41 over nine starts that have totaled 52.1 innings. Over that time, he’s struck out 41 batters, equaling the amount of hits he’s allowed as well. There’s still a bit of a weakness in walks with 17, but that can be improved.

Quantrill’s best start undoubtedly came on Aug. 6 against Detroit when he tossed seven scoreless innings while striking out 10. While that might be his ceiling, and one Cleveland will happily take, his average start should work just fine for Cleveland moving forward into the 2022 season.