Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Indians tabbed ace right-hander Corey Kluber to pitch Game 1 when the World Series matchup with the Chicago Cubs begins Tuesday in Cleveland.
Indians manager Terry Francona said right-hander Trevor Bauer will start Game 2 if his cut finger is healed. Otherwise, right-hander Josh Tomlin will draw the assignment and Bauer will pitch Friday’s Game 3 in Chicago.
The Cubs wrapped up the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night and haven’t yet announced their pitching plans.
Also, Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis sprained his left ankle after Wednesday’s ALCS clinching win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Francona said Kipnis is expected to be ready for the opener against the Cubs. He suffered the injury while hugging shortstop Francisco Lindor during the on-field celebration.
Kluber, who won the American League Cy Young Award in 2014, is experiencing a stellar postseason. He is 2-1 with a 0.98 ERA in three starts with 20 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings.
Bauer sliced his right pinky finger while performing maintenance on one of his drones during the ALCS against the Blue Jays. He attempted to pitch in Game 3 but departed in the first inning when blood started pouring out of the cut.
Francona didn’t identify a Game 4 starter. There is a possibility that right-hander Danny Salazar could return from a strained forearm that sidelined him the past six weeks.
