CLEVELAND _ One of the biggest questions surrounding the Indians in the World Series has been answered, barring something unforeseen.
On Wednesday, manager Terry Francona announced that the Indians are planning on bringing back Game 1 starting pitcher Corey Kluber on short rest to start Game 4 against the Cubs in Chicago. Kluber would then be in line to pitch Game 7, if needed.
The move also points to Trevor Bauer (Games 2 and 5) and Josh Tomlin (Games 3 and 6) pitching on short rest as well. The Indians' plan is to ride their three healthy starting pitchers through the World Series.
The ability to throw Kluber on short rest, which in turn set the rest of the setup in motion, became a reality when he only needed to throw 88 pitches in the Indians' 6-0 win in Game 1 before handing the ball to Andrew Miller and Cody Allen.
"He's all set to pitch," Francona said. "That was probably Plan A. ... Part of taking him out then was with that in mind, that you start getting deeper into the game, and if they mount a rally, getting out of that, you're really exerting. ... So we got him out of there. He knew why, and he's ready to go."
Kluber threw six scoreless innings and set a franchise record for strikeouts in a World Series game with nine. He's been strong all October, allowing only two earned runs in 241/3 innings pitched. It would be the second time in his career he's thrown on short rest, the first time coming in the Indians' 5-1 loss in Game 4 of the ALCS to Toronto.
The other likely options for Game 4 were to start Ryan Merritt or Danny Salazar. Merritt pitched well in his ALCS Game 5 start, sending the Indians to the World Series and just about earning him hero status in Cleveland. Salazar is said to be available for 65-70 pitches or four innings, but could be rusty.
Kluber has been the Indians' workhorse and arguably the best starting pitcher this postseason. And the club apparently is comfortable enough with Bauer and Tomlin that Francona wanted to hand the ball to Kluber up to three times.
"Finger aside, Trevor's a guy that can pitch all the time," Francona said. "Tomlin, we were a little concerned. He's been pitching great, but he doesn't have the biggest frame in the world. But he hasn't pitched that much, so I think we're OK."
