Indians Make Massive Deal But It Can’t Help the Offense in 2-1 Loss to Royals

By Jared Edwards

After the Indians traded one of their best pitchers in Mike Clevinger, they prove just how much they needed offensive help as they fall to the Royals 2-1.

Shane Bieber got the start for the Tribe and he was masterful once again. He allowed just one hit but uncharacteristically allowed four walks but no runs in six innings pitched.

Bieber should have been in line for the victory when they scored in the top of the seventh when Carlos Santana singled to center followed by a gaper to left center by Franmil Reyes that would score Santana. This gave the Indians a 1-0 lead.

James Karinchak would come on in relief for the bottom of the eight inning and it would be a disaster for the Tribe. Karinchak struggled with his command, walking the first two batters who would then come around to score the tying and winning runs later in the inning.

This was the first time the Indians have lost after having the lead after seven innings. Karinchak gave up a single to tie the game at one to Maikel Franco.

Adam Cimber came in to try to hold the game for the Tribe but he failed as well. Cimber threw a 1-2 sinker right down the middle and Bubba Starling made him pay on a line drive to center to score Jorge Soler and give the Royals a 2-1 lead and ultimately win the game.

This was really a disheartening loss for the Indians. Karinchak failed in his second straight appearance to hold the lead for the Indians. He showed the wildness which hindered his development over the past few years.

Although I am happy for the trade of Clevinger, I am thoroughly disappointed that the Indians did not get a major league ready bat. The Indians dealt the best trade chip of the season and did not get any better on offense immediately.

This is very disheartening.

The Indians traded Clevinger and Greg Allen to the San Diego Padres for (C) Austin Hedges, (1B/OF) Josh Naylor, (RHP) Cal Quantrill, (SS) Gabriel Arias, (LHP) Joey Cantillo, and (IF) Owen Miller.

The Royals proved that in a 2-1 victory over Tribe.

Let’s hope this is an anomaly vs the rule for the Indians going forward.