It’s possible Indians All-Star starting pitcher Danny Salazar has thrown his last pitch in the 2016 regular season, and his place in the postseason rotation is also now in question.
Salazar underwent an MRI in Cleveland on Monday and was diagnosed with a mild strain to his flexor musculature. He left his most recent start after four innings with forearm tightness.
Per the club, Salazar will receive an injection and be shut down from throwing for approximately 10 days. More importantly, he's been given a timetable of 3-to-4 weeks to return to game activity, which could bleed into the postseason should the Indians hold on to win the American League Central Division or earn one of the two wild card spots.
Salazar likely would have started Game 3 of any series, following Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. Now, the Indians will have to see where Salazar is health-wise before determining a postseason rotation.
With Salazar out, the Indians have penciled in Josh Tomlin and Mike Clevinger to receive starts on Wednesday and Thursday in Chicago, respectively. The Indians had been keeping their options open regarding the No. 5 spot in the rotation but with Salazar’s sudden edit, both Tomlin and Clevinger are needed.
Salazar this season has gone 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA to go with 161 strikeouts in 137 1/3 innings pitched. For much of the year, he was in the middle of the AL Cy Young race before landing on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation.
This most recent injury, though, might have completed his regular season and could affect the Indians’ chances in the postseason.
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Indians’ Danny Salazar out 3-4 weeks with strained forearm; Postseason status in question
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