Indians Move Mike Clevinger; Will Start the Playoffs Out of the Bullpen

Mike Clevinger will open the American League Divisional Series coming out of the bullpen, a decision that was announced today in Seattle by Indians manager Terry Francona.

The ALDS will open on October 5th and as of now the Indians, who maintain the best record in the American League, will play the winner of the Wild Card game.

The 26-year-old Clevinger has had a solid 2017 season, going 11-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 21 starts with the Indians. He’s struck out 133 batters and has walked 58 in 118 innings this season.

With the move to bring him out of the pen for at least the first round of the playoffs, the team will bring him out of the pen for the final eight games of the regular season.

The Indians will open the postseason with a four-man rotation, with Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer all wrapping up spots already.

As for the fourth starter, it will be either Josh Tomlin, Danny Salazar or Ryan Merritt. Francona said that Salazar will take Clevinger’s spot in the rotation for his next start.

For now Francona has not officially named a fourth starter if needed for the postseason.