CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Jordan Luplow is the latest Indian to land on the injured list.
Luplow was added Friday with an ankle injury.
“That ankle has been bothering him,” manager Terry Francona, who doesn’t believe the injury is related to the one he had in spring training, said Friday prior to the series opener with Toronto.
Luplow underwent an MRI Friday, and the team is awaiting the results of the tests.
“Were trying to find out what’s going on there because ultimately what matters is if something is bothering a player and he can’t play like he wants, you can call it anything you want, but we need to find out,” Francona said.
The Luplow move created a roster spot for Eli Morgan, who has been called up to make his major league debut and start against the Blue Jays Friday night.
Welcome to the show – Morgan will be tasked with trying to cool off one of the hottest hitting teams in baseball.
In three starts for AAA Columbus this year, Morgan is 0-1 with a 3.95 ERA but is coming off a six-shutout inning performance for the Clippers against Toledo.
Morgan’s spring was limited due to right forearm fatigue in the offseason and he remained in extended spring in Arizona for the month of April before joining the Alternate Site and AAA Columbus roster in early May at the outset of the Triple-A season.
Long time, no see – This weekend’s series with Toronto is the first between the teams since 2019 in which Cleveland won six of seven, including a four-game sweep at Progressive Field.
“The trip out to the west coast seemed different because we hadn’t done a trip like that,” Francona said. “We were so fortunate. It seemed every trip was 45 minutes [last year]. There’s so much baseball on TV now that it’s kind of hard not to see teams play if you want to.”
Father of the bride – Francona will be off to Rhode Island to attend his youngest daughter’s wedding following Friday night's game.
“I’m wearing a tux,” Francona said.
Bench coach DeMarlo Hale will handle managerial duties Saturday and Sunday for Francona, who will return in time for the doubleheader on Monday against the White Sox.
Fireworks postponed – High winds forced the Indians to postpone Friday night’s fireworks show hours before the first pitch.
Up next – Series continues Saturday afternoon at 4:10 – LHP Sam Hentges (1-1, 6.20) vs. RHP Ross Stripling (0-3, 5.63)