TORONTO — Despite the fact the Cleveland Indians are leading the American League Championship Series, their starting rotation for the rest of the series remains subject to a daily reassessment of pitch-counts, general health and competitive circumstances. That begins with Tuesday's Game 4, for which the Indians were preparing for two possibilities.
They could bring ace Corey Kluber, the Game 1 winner, back on short rest, or go with rookie left-hander Ryan Merritt, who owns all of one career start in the majors — in which case Kluber would start Game 5 on full rest. Their choice would depend in large part on how they made it through Monday night’s Game 3.
“I think we’re just trying to be organized,” Manager Terry Francona said before Game 3. “And it helps when every single player we’ve talked to [about the fluctuating plans] just says okay. ... Everybody just kind of tries to do what you ask. It’s been kind of fun.”
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The team had originally listed Mike Clevinger as their probable Game 4 starter, but he will be in the bullpen and available in relief.
Merritt appears likely to start either Game 4 or 5 for the Indians, which is a remarkable assignment for a 24-year-old lefty who has only 11 innings of big league experience under his belt, with his only start coming Sept. 30 at Kansas City, when he pitched five innings and notched his first big league win.
Merritt said he was told a few days ago that he would likely be getting a start in the ALCS. “And I mean, the emotion of that is — it’s the playoffs,” he said. “... It’s a great feeling that Terry Francona trusts me to go out and try to win a baseball game for them in the playoffs.”
Meanwhile, right-hander Danny Salazar, who has been out since early September with a shoulder injury, threw a simulated game Sunday and could be activated for the World Series, should the Indians advance.
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