CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Indians starting rotation took another hit Monday night when Aaron Civale departed their 4-0 win over the Cubs in the fifth inning with an injury to the middle finger on his right hand.
Civale is likely headed to the injured list according to Indians manager Terry Francona.
“My guess is we will need to make a roster move,” Francona said. “because of [Wednesday’s] day off we can let him get looked at first but I think we’re prepared that he’s going to miss some time.”
Civale is scheduled to meet orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Graham Wednesday morning in Dayton.
“He’s pretty sore,” Francona said. “He said it feels like he jammed it, which obviously he didn’t, but that’s the feeling. That’s what he said it feels like.”
The loss of Civale means that Cleveland’s entire opening day starting rotation has been wiped out due to injury or they are down at Triple-A.
Cleveland lost 2020 Cy Young winner Shane Bieber to a shoulder strain on June 13 and Zach Plesac on May 24 due to a broken right thumb.
Francona dismissed the notion that the injuries are related to MLB’s crackdown on the use of sticky substances by pitchers.
“I’m not going to talk about every pitcher, but Civale was doing nothing different [Monday] night than he has before,” Francona said. “Just because you [put rules in place], doesn’t mean every pitcher did it.”
Logan Allen is off the Triple-A injured list and could be called up. Triston McKenzie, who was sent down to work on his command, could also be recalled but he is scheduled to start Tuesday night for Columbus.
As the injuries continue to mount, Francona has been pleased with how well his club continues t hang in there.
“They’re fighting,” Francona said. “I don’t want to scare them. If we feel the need to talk to them we do, but they’re doing a good job.”
Francona said the rotation coming off the off day is set with the first four starters.
J.C. Mejia, who was supposed to be available out of the pen Tuesday night will now start Thursday night following the off day, Cal Quantril goes Friday, Sam Hentges Saturday, Eli Morgan Sunday and Monday’s starter will be determined later.
