The Indians are already without starter Mike Clevinger, who’s on the 60-day injured list with a back injury. What’re their options now that Kluber will miss significant time?
Jefry Rodriguez should be promoted right away. The 25-year-old posted a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings this season. He’s filled in well for Clevinger, allowing three runs combined in two starts.
Once they promote Rodriguez, their fifth spot will still need to be filled. The Indians had been using a four-man rotation during most of April.
Adam Plutko would be the guy, but he’s still dealing with a forearm injury of his own. He's not expected to start for another week to 10 days. He'll have to make a few rehab appearances since he hasn't pitched since spring training. It’s safe to assume he won’t be ready to play for the Indians until the middle of May. That means they’ll need someone to bridge the gap between Kluber’s injury and Plutko’s return.
Asher Wojciechowski could be a realistic option. The 30-year-old started four games for Triple-A Columbus this season, posting a 0.82 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 22 innings. He’s started 11 career games in the big leagues with Houston and Cincinnati.
Two other options include Michael Peoples and Cody Anderson. Peoples has posted a 3-0 record with a 2.96 ERA in four starts.
Anderson is working his way back from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. The 28-year-old missed the majority of the past two seasons. He made one big-league appearance for the Indians this season and has thrown six scoreless innings in two starts for Columbus.
What about the Indians’ offseason says they’d be willing to sign a big money contract with a pitcher like Keuchel? They’d have to give up a draft pick if they sign him before the draft, which starts on June 3.
There’s a chance Clevinger could return in the middle of June. No one expects Kluber to miss the rest of the season.
Barring something unforeseen, it’s hard to envision a scenario where the Indians pay Keuchel, especially when they have options like Rodriguez and Plutko. It’s just not how they operate.
Kluber is being re-evaluated on Thursday and a timetable for his return should be established in the near future.