Fansided

7 MLB stars who have to step up in September

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 7, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) gets ready to bat against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) gets ready to bat against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 22, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) pitches against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) pitches against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Carlos Carrasco

The Cleveland Indians appear to have a fairly comfortable 4.5-game lead over the Detroit Tigers, but they have been mostly stagnant since going 22-6 in the months of June. Inertia has kept them ahead of the Tigers for now, but their hopes of having a deep postseason run are a bit more in question now than they were a few months ago.

Part of the problem for the Indians is that only Corey Kluber is pitching well. Cleveland has to be able to count on good starting pitching because their offense is average at best. Danny Salazar has dealt with elbow trouble in the second half, and has a 9.10 ERA over his past seven starts. That’s a problem.

Carlos Carrasco was briefly on the DL in April, but has been healthy since. He has also struggled in August, and has a 5.10 ERA in his past seven starts. Salazar’s elbow is likely more problematic than he or the club are willing to admit. It’s up to Carrasco to steer his season back on track. Without a fully functional number-two behind Kluber, the Tribe’s season could come to an early, unceremonious end.

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