Notes from Camp: Aaron Civale impresses, Bullpen nearly throws no-hitter in Sunday's intrasquad game

Jun 22, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians pitcher Aaron Civale (66) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Photo credit © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

While yesterday brought the fireworks, today saw the pitchers take their turn in the spotlight.

Cleveland Indians second-year starting pitcher Aaron Civale took the mound for the first time since spring training back in March. For Civale, it was business as usual, only surrendering two earned runs, but those runs ultimately were the difference as he took the loss, 2-1.

"For him to get through six innings, getting close to 100 pitches ... without laboring, pitching like a veteran, we were really pleased with his performance," Indians manager Terry Francona told reporters following Sunday's action.

Civale dealt with a strained groin in spring training, but ultimately made two starts, striking out nine in five innings pitched. He was a stabilizing force for the Tribe last year, finishing with a 3-4 record, 2.34 ERA, and 46 strikeouts in 57 2/3 innings pitched.

The stars of the day, however, were the relievers.

Indians relievers Hunter Wood, James Karinchak (1 run unearned), Oliver Perez, Adam Cimber, David Hernandez all pitched scoreless innings in the intrasquad matchup, and had a no-hitter entering the 6th inning. Nick Wittgren was the reliever to give up the first hit of the day.

As for the hitters, catcher Roberto Perez had both RBIs off of Civale in the win. Third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielder Bradley Zimmer both had multi-hit games for the Tribe. Shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Carlos Santana both had doubles in the matchup as well.

Third (Spot's) The Charm!
After plenty of discussion, Lindor could be moving... to a new spot in the lineup, per manager Terry Francona.

Francisco Lindor will probably bat 3rd in the order, per #Indians manager Terry Francona. "That's my sneaking suspicion."

— Mac Robinson (@MacRobinson95) July 12, 2020

The shortstop has been the leadoff hitter for the Tribe the last few seasons, but could be moving back in the lineup to third. With the addition of new switch-hitting second baseman Cesar Hernandez, the opportunity to have four switch hitters at the top of the lineup. Hernandez batted .270 with eight home runs when leading off for the Philadelphia Phillies last season. 

"He was quick to say, 'I will hit anywhere you want,' which I appreciated," Francona said of his talk with Lindor about the switch. "You do appreciate when players say things like that, but I want to also do what makes sense for our team."

As always, be sure to listen live to 92.3 The Fan for all the latest on the Cleveland Indians and the rest of the Cleveland Sports scene!