The Cleveland Indians finally got some good news this week regarding the starting rotation.
And no, we are not just talking about Shane Bieber making the 2021 MLB All-Star Game.
We are talking about the impending return of Zach Plesac.
Zach Plesac will start for the Indians on Thursday. He'll be stretched out to about 60 pitches. Then, he'll go out to Arizona over the All-Star break to pitch a sim game and stretch out more and then start for the Indians again in Oakland after the break.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) July 5, 2021
This is fantastic news as Indians fans have been desperately waiting to see Plesac, Bieber, or Aaron Civale return to help out the current young and inexperienced rotation.
Plesac Finally Coming Back
Plesac last pitched May 23 before suffering a finger injury that was apparently a result of him ripping off his shirt.
Or so that is what the team told fans.
Regardless, his absence was a big one.
So far this year Plesac has a 4.14 ERA in 10 starts.
While that figure is not exactly great, that total ballooned right before the injury.
He is a key member of the rotation and even getting him back is a huge boost for the entire team.
Fans must also remember Plesac is only 26 years old and 2021 is his third MLB season.
He has never had a true full season at the MLB level, and even missed time during the shortened 2020 season due to a team suspension.
2021 was supposed to be that full season, but that is not important now.
The interesting thing with Plesac is that he was not mowing down hitters via the strikeout.
His K/9 stands at 5.8, which is still solid, just not outstanding by any measure.
He is only set for 60 pitches in his return Thursday, but he should be back to normal following the break.
When Plesac does return, it will be after an unexpected doubleheader for the Indians.
Indians Officially Off Tuesday
Plesac is set to make his return Thursday at home against the Kansas City Royals.
Before then, the Indians have a surprise doubleheader Wednesday in Tampa.
That is all because of a nasty storm expected to hit Florida on Tuesday.
RAYS vs. INDIANS SERIES UPDATE: pic.twitter.com/FRdOjmUECw
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) July 5, 2021
A postponed game at Tropicana Field is almost unheard of, given the fact the stadium is a dome.
But MLB is playing it safe and both teams will now play two seven-inning games Wednesday.
This allows the Indians bullpen to get some rest, which is needed considering Plesac is scheduled for a short start Thursday.
Not to mention the fact the bullpen has had to help out a rotation filled with rookies.
Getting Plesac back Thursday is a great sign for the Indians.
After Sunday’s game against the Royals, the team is off until the following Friday when they head out west to take on the Oakland Athletics.
While Bieber and Civale are still on the shelf, both will get a free week on the schedule to continue working toward their respective returns.
Leave a Reply