The Cleveland Indians’ starting rotation is getting dangerously close to reaching critical mass.
Right-hander Corey Kluber was forced to exit his start against the Detroit Tigers on Monday early due to right groin tightness, per Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com.
Kluber left game with right groin tightness.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) September 27, 2016
The former AL Cy Young Award winner gave up two earned runs on five hits with one walk and three strikeouts before exiting in the fourth inning of the 7-4 Indians victory. Though the team would officially clinch the AL Central division title with the win, the greater question is what Kluber’s injury means for their pitching staff moving ahead into the postseason.
The Indians have already been felled by a season-ending injury to Carlos Carrasco and a multi-week absence from Danny Salazar. Things have gotten so bad that the team was already said to be considering a three-man rotation for the playoffs.
Kluber, 30, is Cleveland’s undisputed ace, and for him be forced to miss time as well would likely signal a quick postseason exit for the Indians.
H/T Rotoworld
