Indians place AAA pitcher Danny Salazar on DL

Apr 27, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Danny Salazar (31) on the mound during the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Giants won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Danny Salazar (31) on the mound during the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Giants won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Well things are not exactly going swimmingly right now for Danny Salazar. Expected to be a major piece of the Indians rotation, the right hander totally flamed out in Cleveland, going 1-4 in 8 starts with an alarmingly horrible ERA of 5.53.

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That run of early ineptitude got Salazar sent down to AAA, but now Salazar can’t even work on his problems in the minors because of a strained triceps that has sent him to the 7-day DL, per Nick Camino.

But at least it isn’t Tommy John surgery. So hang on to that, Danny Salazar. Your elbow as of now is still intact.

Tough break for Salazar nonetheless. After posting a 3.12 ERA in 10 starts last year, the young man thought he was on his way. But he’s hit what I would call a significant stumbling block in his development.

You could say the same thing for the entire Indians squad this year. After becoming surprise contenders in 2013 under Terry Francona, Cleveland was slow out of the gate this year, and fell significantly behind Detroit in the division.

But the Indians are playing better of late, winning five straight to claw back to within 4 1/2 games of the Tigers. Cleveland should be able to stay in contention throughout the summer but I ultimately don’t see them getting past both Detroit and Chicago to win the division.

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