You can’t accuse the 2021 Cleveland Indians of being drama free…
Heading into the top of the ninth inning, James Karinchak entered for the Tribe in search of his seventh save of the season. Karinchak entered Tuesday night coming off a rocky appearance in Memorial Day’s doubleheader, giving up two earned runs and three hits in the ballgame.
How did Karinchak fair on Tuesday? He was able to notch the save, but made fans nervous by giving up two earned runs and loading the bases before White Sox first baseman and reigning AL MVP Jose Abreu grounded out to Indians shortstop Amed Rosario to end the ballgame.
Catcher Austin Hedges talked about Karinchak’s struggles following the win and that it’s time for the young reliever to make adjustments. “He was punching the world out to begin the year, but now he has to figure out how to get guys out if they put the ball in play,” Hedges told reporters after the game.
“It’s the big leagues. Guys are going to make adjustments, they’re going to [adjust] to you,” Hedges continued. “They’re going to have a team type approach, like how they treat Shane [Bieber]. … The league has made an adjustment. Now it’s his turn to make an adjustment.”
The Ramirez’s are alright
It was certainly a good day to be a Ramirez on Tuesday night.
Indians superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielder Harold Ramirez combined to hit .500 (4-8) at the plate, including two doubles from Jose, on Tuesday night, plating three runs for the Tribe.
With those two doubles, Jose Ramirez extended his on-base streak to 18 games. In that span, he has hit 17-for-59 (.288), with eight doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI.
After extending his 18-game on-base streak, Jose Ramirez was pulled in the seventh inning for what was later announced as a precaution for dehydration. Indians manager Terry Francona said following the game that he was “just a little dehydrated” and is fine going forward.
Not only were both playing well on the field, but both got to flex their defensive skills on the diamond today.
Mixing it up
Coming into the season, Indians starting pitcher and reigning Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber (6-3, 3.08) made it a goal for him to improve his slider in his arsenal, and now the right hander is focused on getting them locked in.
“Over the past four or five starts, I’ve been trying to get both of them going at the same time,” Bieber said following the win. “They’re getting to the right spot. It’s nice to be able to rely on on or the other when something’s missing. … All in all pretty happy with it.”
He’s happy with it and it’s easy to see why. Despite White Sox centerfielder Billy Hamilton’s triple and score on an error in the top of the second, Bieber was able to go seven innings, only allowing five hits, three runs (two earned), two walks and fanning seven White Sox batters.
“I think that will pay dividends down the road,” Bieber added. With a Cy Young already under his belt and fresh off his 26th birthday, it’s safe to say that the sky’s the limit for the young Indians ace.
What’s Next?
Making the start for the Tribe in place of right hander Eli Morgan will be young long reliever Jean Carlos Mejia (1-0, 0.00), the club announced following the Tuesday night win.. Morgan (0-1, 20.75) pitched in the extreme weather conditions on Friday night.
Starting for Chicago in the final game of the four game series will be Lance Lynn (6-1, 1.37). The Indians look to close in on the division lead, only behind by 2.5 games of the White Sox.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 pm at Progressive Field.