Logan Allen started the 2021 home opener for the Cleveland Indians and looked suitable as the fourth or fifth man in the rotation.
In fact, he lasted five innings in each of his first two starts.
Cut ahead to the end of April and Allen was demoted after giving up three home runs in back-to-back starts.
He never went more than 2.1 innings in any of his final three starts.
That meant it was time for Allen to rebuild his game in Columbus.
His first start was even worse than anything he did in Cleveland.
#Indians LHP Logan Allen's struggles continue tonight for (AAA) Columbus. Making his first start for the Clippers Allen only lasts 1.1 innings. At this point you have to worry about injury or if just is something mental.
Line – 1.1(IP) 6H 7R 7ER 2BB 1SO (39 Pitches 25 Strikes)
— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) May 7, 2021
Allen’s First Start in Triple-A
Allen got shelled in his first start following the demotion.
He lasted 1.1 innings and departed with a 47.25 ERA.
That is not ideal.
The southpaw allowed seven runs on six hits and walked two batters as well.
1.1 innings was what Allen lasted in his last MLB start so confidence has to be at an all-time low.
This is quite the drastic change after Allen made the starting rotation to open the season.
But whatever was working early on faded away and he could simply not make batters miss.
So can he ever return to the rotation?
In Allen’s Favor
Allen is 23 years old and will turn 24 later this month.
His youth is a benefit and the fact he came over in the Trevor Bauer trade means he remains a valued young member of the organization.
Logan Allen, Wicked 80mph Back Foot Slider…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/juz0QNpX8I
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 16, 2021
The Indians front office also knows one month of baseball doesn’t define the outlook of his career.
The demotion to Columbus means Allen can focus on his stuff without only worrying about results.
Allen’s Triple-A ERA was 5.85 in 2019 and he still found a way onto the major league roster in 2020.
An ugly 2019 stat line is true for Sam Hentges as well and he still found a way into the majors this year.
However, Allen will need to turn things around soon.
The team isn’t going to give up on him soon, but he will continue to be passed up by others who are looking better.
End of the Rotation For Now
Hentges and Triston McKenzie appear to be set in the final two spots for now.
Cal Quantrill should also be next in line if one of the two falters or if the team just wants to see what he can do.
A pitcher having a rough start to his career, only to rebound and become a great player is not some unheard of formula.
It took time for Carlos Carrasco to stick and once he did he was a fan favorite.
Those are some big shoes for Allen to fill, but just getting back to the Indians will be his first step.
His story is not over yet.
He just needs to pitch beyond the second inning in his next start and go from there.
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