Danny Salazar (31) has been added to the Indians World Series roster. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Right-hander Danny Salazar was added to the World Series roster for the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday, hours before the team was set to host Game 1 against the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field.
Salazar has not pitched since Sept. 9 because of tightness in his right forearm. The 26-year-old All-Star has been cleared to log as many as 65-70 pitches, according to pitching coach Mickey Callaway.
Cleveland has slated right-handers Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin to start Games 1-3, respectively. The Indians have yet to announce their starter for Game 4 at Wrigley Field, with Salazar, rookie left-hander Ryan Merritt or even Kluber getting that nod.
“After the third game we’d (like to) kind of see where we are,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said on Monday. “We have Merritt. We have Danny. Neither one would pitch a full game, but between those two, you know, especially with Danny, it gives you a guy that made the All-Star team that we could pitch really whenever we want. So, it’s another really good arm that’s kind of a wild card that we think could help us.”
Salazar compiled an 11-6 record with a 3.87 ERA and 161 strikeouts but struggled with arm issues the second half of the season.
