Indians Move Starter Danny Salazar To Bullpen, Available For Work Beginning Wednesday

The Cleveland Indians are off to a good start this season, currently sitting in second place in the Central Division. There have been some concerns early on however. One of those concerns is the starting pitching rotation.

With Trevor Bauer and Josh Tonkin struggling, the Tribe seem to have found a good backend pitcher for the rotation in Mike Clevinger. Clevinger appeared in a good portion of the season last year for Cleveland, but there’s no debating that he has looked tremendously better this year. With Corey Kluber set to return this Thursday, it appears the Tribe have three solid starters in Kluber, Clevinger and Carlos Carrasco.

One name that isn’t on that list is Danny Salazar, one member of the “Big Three” of that Cleveland starting rotation that got the Tribe to the Playoffs last year. Salazar currently holds a 3-5 record with a 5.50 ERA. He also has had trouble getting into the later parts of the game, averaging about a 5 2/3 outing this season. So it isn’t a surprise that Manager Terry Francona has decided to make a change to try and help Salazar return to top starter form.

According to the Indians’ Twitter, Francona has announced that Salazar will head to the bullpen after throwing a session on Monday. Salazar will be available on Wednesday for bullpen work.

From Terry today: Danny Salazar will throw a bullpen tomorrow and be available in relief, most likely beginning Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/89IBkj9EnU

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) May 28, 2017

Cleveland.com’s Zack Meisel expounded on the situation.

Danny Salazar will head to the bullpen for the time being, though he may make a start on the Indians' roadtrip next week.

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) May 28, 2017

Will a trip to the bullpen help Salazar return to All-Star form? We will have to wait and see.