ALCS 2016: 5 reasons Indians will win

Oct 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (right) is greeted at home plate by left fielder Brandon Guyer (6) and third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) after hitting a three-run home run against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning in game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning during game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Corey Kluber tops them all

Being without Salazar and Carrasco is an undeniable blow to the Indians, but they still have the best starting pitcher in this series in Corey Kluber. In the first playoff start of his career, Kluber limited the Red Sox to three hits over seven shutout innings. On the year, Kluber went 18-9 and led the league in shutouts and FIP.

The Blue Jays do have one of the best rotations in baseball, led by Aaron Sanchez and J.A. Happ, but Kluber has a lengthier track record of success than both. Sanchez also got knocked around in the deciding game of the division series, and was bailed out late by his own offense. The young pitcher, who is in uncharted territory as his innings total climbs, struggled with his command.

The Indians will have to rely on Kluber outpitching his career numbers against the Blue Jays. The 2014 Cy Young winner is only 1-3 with a 5.34 ERA in five starts against Toronto in his career. He did start two games against the Jays this year, making one good and one bad start. As an ace, Kluber can be more hit-or-miss than a manager would hope. He has allowed more than four runs in a start nine times this year and more than five runs five times.

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Of late, however, Kluber has been on his game. He went 9-1 with a 2.52 ERA in the second half, firmly planting himself in the middle of the Cy Young race yet again. Kluber was a perfect 5-0 in August as Salazar and Carrasco struggled through their injuries. Time and again this year, Kluber was able to come up big for the Indians when they needed him most, and there is no reason to expect that to stop in the ALCS. Given three chances to pitch in this series, Kluber will push the Indians to victory.

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