Following a 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday night, the Cleveland Indians returned to Progressive Field for a four-inning simulated game with opening day starting pitcher Shane Bieber taking the bump for the final time in summer camp.
While some teams [may> elect to give [their respective starters> an extra day prior to his first start, [Bieber> wanted to stay on his same day [schedule>", manager Terry Francona told reporters Sunday prior to the 23-year-old's outing on Sunday. "Everybody's different and everybody's place of readiness is different, but just from [Indians pitching coach Carl Willis> talking to [Bieber>, this is one of the more comfortable [pitchers> heading into his first start."
Bieber enters 2020 as the youngest starting pitcher since C.C. Sabathia in 2004, (h/t to Mandy Bell, Sarah Langs, both of MLB.com). He finished 2019 with a 15-8 record, posting a 3.28 ERA and 259 strikeouts in 214 1/3 innings. He also won the All-Star Game MVP in 2019.
Shane Bieber will become the Indians' youngest Opening Day starter since 23-year-old CC Sabathia in 2004.(h/t @SlangsOnSports)
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) March 6, 2020Are you ready kids?!
The Indians will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in game two of the teams friendly face-offs prior to the regular season at Progressive Field.
Indians starting pitcher Mike Clevinger will get the nod from Francona against the Pirates. Some of the names that are scheduled to pitch for the Tribe following the right-hander include Adam Cimber, James Karinchak, Hunter Wood, and Nick Wittgren.
Most of the hitters should be available for the Indians, including stars like infielders Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez.
For the first time since September, we can finally say in Cleveland... It's time to play ball...
An incredible #BaseballSky in Cleveland tonight. ----: @MandyBell02 pic.twitter.com/tguSTs16gC
— MLB (@MLB) July 20, 2020
