A bit of bad luck has derailed Trevor Bauer's Cy Young campaign in his career-best 2018 season.
Bauer was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday with a small stress fracture in his right fibula, retroactive to Sunday. He left his most recent outing on Saturday after being hit on his right leg by line drive by Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu.
Nothing definitive in terms of Bauer's timetable for a return has been released by the team.
"Knowing Trev, he'll keep his arm in shape and he'll be raring to go whenever he's ready," Indians manager Terry Francona said before their game against the Reds. "There's never a good time. But he'll keep his arm good and strong."
And so, Bauer's outstanding 2018 season on the mound is at least put on hold for the moment. Entering Tuesday's games, Bauer was at or near the top of the leaderboards in several key categories.
Bauer is third in baseball in pitcher fWAR (5.9), fifth in ERA (2.22), third in FIP (2.38), second in innings (166), fifth in strikeout percentage (31.5 percent) and third in total strikeouts (214). To date, he has been the best starter in the Indians' rotation, even besting two-time Cy Young winner and ace Corey Kluber.
This is the first trip to the disabled list in Bauer's career.
In his place on the active roster, the Indians recalled left-handed reliever Tyler Olson. Olson has allowed 15 earned runs in 18 innings with the Indians, struggling to a 7.50 ERA and 4.71 FIP.
According to MLB.com, manager Terry Francona told reporters in Cincinnati that Adam Plutko will be called on to make Saturday's start against the Baltimore Orioles in Cleveland.
Plutko is 4-2 with a 4.75 ERA in nine appearances.
Carlos Carrasco will pitch on Friday and Mike Clevinger will start on Sunday.
