The fact the Cleveland Indians played a game Friday night was a disgrace given the weather.
But one thing to keep in mind was the fact more bad weather was rolling in Saturday.
The wind was bad enough to postpone Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Thus, a doubleheader is set for Sunday.
The only problem is the Indians already had a doubleheader on the schedule for Monday against the Chicago White Sox.
That now means they will play four games in a span of less than 36 hours.
So what is the plan on the mound?
Still Working Out The Rotation
The Indians are obviously dealing with some issues in the starting rotation.
Eli Morgan was forced to make his MLB debut in the rain Friday night, which prevented him from getting a chance to start in either of the doubleheaders.
The good news is the Indians do have a plan for Sunday given the extra day of rest.
Today’s Indians/Blue Jays game has been postponed due to inclement weather and will be rescheduled as a traditional doubleheader tomorrow with two 7-inning games starting at 1:10PM ET. Aaron Civale will start Game 1 and Sam Hentges will start Game 2.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) May 29, 2021
Having Aaron Civale on the mound any day is great news.
The question will be how Sam Hentges does and going in the second game allows Terry Francona to have an idea of how he can use the bullpen.
If Civale gets rocked and knocked out early, Francona may be hesitant to pull Hentges too early.
However, it is important to note both games are scheduled for seven innings apiece.
That is true for all MLB doubleheaders this season, so fans are in for four straight shortened games over the holiday weekend.
One fascinating quirk is that since Friday’s game was called early, the Indians will actually play five straight seven-inning games, barring extra innings.
The Plan For Memorial Day
The expectation Monday is Triston McKenzie will get another start after his demotion was cut short due to Zach Plesac‘s injury.
The other starter is yet to be determined, but Jean Carlos Mejia and Cal Quantrill could be logical options.
A bullpen day would normally work, but not when playing back-to-back doubleheaders.
The only way this changes is if the Indians get a complete game or two in that stretch.
That could lead to Monday’s second game being a bullpen game.
But keep in mind the team is in action again Tuesday and not off until Thursday.
Francona will also have to manage with care as the Indians look to take over the top spot in the American League Central from the Chicago White Sox.
Another key will be the offense.
Francona isn’t going to burn the bullpen if the offense only scores a run or two.
He may opt to have a position player go out there, which was the plan Friday if the game went on.
Had the game proceeded, Jake Bauers would have pitched the 8th and René Rivera would have pitched the 9th.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) May 29, 2021
The best news of all is the bad weather moving out of town and the Indians being able to play again in normal conditions.
And before we know it, the stadium will be back at full capacity.
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