Carlos Carrasco dealing with elbow inflammation

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco is dealing with some inflammation in his elbow and is being pushed back a few days per reports.

Well this isn’t good. Carlos Carrasco is currently experiencing some blow inflammation and is being “backed up a few days” according to MLB.com’s Mandy Bell.

Carlos Carrasco just made his spring debut a few days ago after dealing with a hip issue earlier in Arizona. Indians manager Terry Francona stated that the team will have Cookie workout and evaluate him afterword. Pretty standard procedure when dealing with an injury of this type. It is just not all that encouraging considering the other pitchers who are currently dealing with injuries.

Cleveland is already without Mike Clevinger and Emmanuel Clase. If for some reason Carrasco is going to miss time it would be a huge blow to the Indians pitching staff. While the Tribe have depth at the position, that does not necessarily mean they can afford to be without multiple pitchers at the same time.

An extended absence of Carrasco would result in a much different starting rotation for Cleveland. Recently named Opening Day starter Shane Bieber is clearly at the top. After that is when things get interesting. Adam Plutko, Aaron Civale, and Zach Plesac would be the next three pitchers without Carrasco in the mix. Other options include Logan Allen and Jefry Rodriguez. Rodriguez did make some starts last year with mixed results and could step in if absolutely necessary.

The Cleveland Indians really need Carlos Carrasco to be available as much as possible in 2020. Considering Cleveland has moved two good pitchers fairly recenlty, the team needs Cookie to perform at a high level. Being without him for a lengthy period could result in a lackluster start and unpopular moves being made later in the year.

UPDATE

Carlos Carrasco has mild inflammation in his elbow and received an injection per Tom Withers.

The team will re-evaluate Carrasco at a later date.