Salazar was scheduled to pitch two innings on Sunday, but didn’t go back to the mound after the first inning.
“He just said after the first inning he pitched he just didn’t feel like he could go out for the second inning,” manager Terry Francona said. “When he left the ballpark that night, he said he felt pretty good. So then he just asked. He goes ‘I just need a little time away.’”
The 29-year-old has dealt with injuries in each of the last three seasons. He missed all of the 2018 season. He has one more year of arbitration, but it’s hard to envision the Indians keeping him around after paying $4.5 million this season.
Mike ‘Sunshine’ Clevinger was named American League Pitcher of the Month. He went 5-0 with a 1.96 ERA in six August starts. Clevinger finished with 51 strikeouts and 11 walks in 36⅔ innings, allowing just one home run.
“I don’t know if people realize how hard he works, how much he gets after it,” Francona said. “He’s a strong kid.”
On August 24, Clevinger became the second-fastest pitcher in Indians’ history to reach 500 strikeouts (448 innings). Only Cody Allen (389⅓ innings) did it faster.
Mike Freeman has posted a .328/.391/.483 slash line since the All-Star break. The utility man has played second, third and shortstop over that span. The Indians needed someone to emerge with José Ramírez out for the rest of the regular season and Jason Kipnis nursing tendinitis in his wrist. Freeman has been that guy and has quietly had a nice season for the Tribe.
“Every time he’s gotten a chance, he seems to help us win a game,” Francona said. “He’s managed to put up pretty good numbers and find ways to drive in runs or make big plays. He’s a great teammate.”
Freeman is starting at second base for the Indians on Tuesday night.