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Corey Kluber making rehab start for Indians

By Brad Berreman

Apr 27, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Indians have been without their ace for nearly three weeks, but Corey Kluber is nearing a return.

Despite being without Corey Kluber since May 3, the Cleveland Indians are hanging tough at 23-20 and one game out in the AL Central going into Tuesday. But the Indians’ ace is on track to return, after a bullpen session on Monday, with a rehab start for Triple-A Columbus scheduled for Thursday.

A lower back issue put Kluber on the 10-day disabled list, and Indians pitching coach Mickey Calloway has suggested 70-75 pitches as the goal for Kluber in his upcoming rehab outing. The plan from there is unknown, as hinted by manager Terry Francona on Monday.

"We’ll evaluate him after that game,” manager Terry Francona told reporters Monday, according to Cleveland.com. “We’ll see what’s best for him. Whether it’s another [rehab] start if he needs it or he’s pitches for us.”"

Calloway suggested a great measure of caution has been and will be exercised, likely driven by Kluber’s comment his back had bothered him for a few starts before going on the DL.

"“We don’t want this recurring,” Callaway said prior to Monday’s game against the Reds at Great American Ball Park. “We need our ace out there every day, and we think we went with the right approach.”"

Kluber is 3-2 with a 5.06 ERA over six starts (37.1 innings) this season, with a 41:13 K/BB ratio. Mike Clevinger has capably taken Kluber’s place in Cleveland’s starting rotation, with a 1.56 ERA in four total appearances thus far (three starts) and just six hits allowed over 17.1 innings.

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Carlos Carrasco left his last start on May 15 with tightness in his left pectoral, but he has thrown between outings without issue and is slated to start Tuesday night against the Cincinnati Reds. With Carrasco avoiding a significant injury and Kluber set to return soon, things are looking up for the defending American League champions.

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