Matt Johnson
A season marred with injuries and slow starts is now getting worse for the Cleveland Indians. Starting pitcher Corey Kluber will miss the next month before being re-evaluated after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his pitching arm.
The injury: Kluber’s 2019 season took an unfortunate blow on Wednesday night when a line drive drilled him directly in the left arm. The ball died almost immediately and Kluber left the game with his arm at his side.
- The Indians quickly diagnosed their ace with a non-displaced fracture of his right ulna bone, the long bone in his forearm.
- According to Paul Haynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Kluber’s spot in the rotation is expected to be filled by Cody Anderson.
The prognosis: Given Kluber will be sidelined for at least a month, it could carry significant implications on Cleveland’s chances this season.
- The Minnesota Twins, who sit atop the American League, are only improving while the Indians are likely to slip further in the division.
- Skidding further down the standings could push this team to sell in July after an offseason that already saw them cutting costs.If the Indians fall further b
Avoiding surgery could be a positive for Kluber, but the month away from the mound is a significant blow for the team. If the Indians are significantly behind in the division after May, it could influence the long-term decision the team makes with Kluber.
For now, fans and the organization will remain in a holding pattern on the status of the team’s ace.
