Corey Kluber's rehab start goes well, he'll pitch again on Sunday

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Corey Kluber #28 of the Cleveland Indians pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on April 26, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Photo credit Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
CLEVELAND, OH – Corey Kluber made his second rehab start on Tuesday night for Double-A Akron. He allowed one run and two hits in four innings.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner was perfect through three, before giving up a solo home run to Kyle Holder in the fourth. Kluber issued one walk and finished with six strikeouts.

"Very good," manager Terry Francona said on Wednesday. "From him and the people that watched him. He threw four innings, 60 pitches. Velocity starting to tick up a bit. And by all accounts, he looked kind of like Kluber. He’ll pitch Sunday in Charlotte."

His third rehab start will be for Triple-A Columbus, which is a good sign for his potential return. His fastball topped out at 93 mph, which is up from what it was in his first rehab start.

If all goes well on Sunday, there's a real chance Kluber could return to the big leagues and start against the Royals on August 23 or 24 at Progressive Field. 

Kluber posted a 5.80 ERA in seven starts this season before breaking the ulna bone in his right forearm on May 1. He’s expected to re-join the Indians’ rotation when he returns to the big leagues.