The Indians have scored one run in their last 27 innings. In the last three games they’re 1-for-21 with runners in scoring position and have been outscored 21-1.
Manager Terry Francona’s message hasn’t changed all year long. He thinks it's just a matter of time before things change at the plate.
“Sometimes you gotta be patient, even when you don’t want to be,” Francona said. “I believe in our guys and you can’t just pat them on the back when things are going great, that’s the easy part. When it’s not looking so rosy, that’s when you really gotta keep at it. If I don’t then how can I expect them to? So that’s what we’re going to do.”
“You want to hang on it long enough to learn, but then move on, because you don’t want it bringing you down,” Francona said. “I do think there’s a lot to be said when you do something good or bad – learning from it, then moving on.”
The Indians’ struggles at the plate are a big reason why they enter play on Wednesday four games behind the Twins in the American League Central.
“He’s been a pleasure,” Francona said. “He’s open-minded to listening to Carl [Willis] and those guys. There’s a lot to work with. He’s going to have his ups and downs. He doesn’t command the baseball like most guys when they’re at that stage. Even last night, he didn’t have much of a breaking ball, but he still competed with a fastball. If he can tighten up some of these things, you start to get excited.”
The Indians acquired Rodriguez from the Nationals in the Yan Gomes trade last November. He posted a 5.71 ERA in 14 appearances for Washington last season. His control has been an issue in the past, but he’s done enough to overcome that in three starts for the Indians.
The ball will travel nearly three miles, while it’s tossed from one person to the next. The ball will be used for the ceremonial first pitch before the Indians play the Yankees.
There will be a festival at League Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will include music, entertainment, baseball-themed games, tours of the Baseball Heritage Museum, food trucks and autograph sessions with Indians legends.