Injury Status Updates for the Tribe

Last Thursday, via video technology Cleveland Indians skipper Terry Francona provided the baseball world with injury updates on multiple players. Mandy Bell, who writes on the Indians for MLB.com, provided the news via a link on Twitter.

https://www.mlb.com/news/terry-francona-indians-shutdown-injury-updates

Prior to the Coronavirus shutdown, the Cleveland Indians were looking at a season of potential adversity once again. For starters, the Indians starting rotation faced questions regarding the health status of Mike Clevinger and Carlos Carrasco. Additionally, offseason acquisition relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase, who was acquired from the Texas Rangers in the Corey Kluber deal, faced his own health challenges.

Furthermore, the status of the Indians outfield was put into question. Centerfielder Oscar Mercado dealt with a wrist sprain right before the shutdown. Meanwhile, Tyler Naquin was still trying to make his way back from ACL surgery which took place in 2018. Therefore, this shutdown only provided more questions than answers. However, some of those questions were put to rest on Thursday.

Health Status Updates on All Five Players

According to skipper Terry Francona, the organization has been very active through video technology. The team’s training staff uses the technology to communicate frequently about the health of the team’s players. However, it doesn’t make it any easier trying to track the health of the aforementioned Emmanuel Clase, who spends the offseason in the Dominican Republic.

Although, according to Francona, Clase is throwing on flat ground. Cleveland will likely have someone travel to the Dominican soon to get an up-and-close look at his throwing sessions. Currently, Clase is more than halfway through his original recovery period of eight-to-twelve weeks.

In regards to the starting rotation, Francona offered great news regarding Clevinger and Carrasco as well. Clevinger is throwing at full intensity right now and feels very good as Francona mentioned during his video conference. In addition, Carrasco has been staying up-to-date with his throwing program. Francona said based on the video, it appears as though everything is going well with his recovery efforts as well.

Finally, the aforementioned Tyler Naquin is doing well and so is Oscar Mercado. The Indians outfield was going to be one of the more interesting battles in Spring Training. Cleveland has multiple pieces that can play in different outfield positions. Therefore, Francona is going to have different options based on the matchup at hand.

Final Thoughts

Besides the Indians outfield battle, all five of these players are key components on the 26-man roster. For the Indians to battle the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox for the American League Central, Cleveland needs all five players to be healthy and on the field. If that ends up happening, then the Indians very well could contend once again this year. Of course, assuming there is a season after all.

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