The Cleveland Indians still anticipate the return of pitcher Corey Kluber this season, and he’s getting closer to taking a big step toward pitching again.
According to Indians manager Terry Francona, Kluber, who suffered a non-displaced fracture of the ulna bone in his right arm, has been playing catch at 150 feet. Kluber is simply waiting for clearance to begin throwing bullpens, which could come within about two weeks.
“Now the doctors are trying to put their heads together to see when he can start his bullpens,” Francona said, via Paul Hoynes of cleveland.com. “He will continue to long toss until that group of doctors deems he’s ready for bullpens.”
Kluber was hit by a line drive on May 1 and has not pitched since. Getting him back for the stretch run, as seems increasingly likely, would almost be like a major trade deadline addition for Cleveland as they try to chase down the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
