Danny Salazar

Danny Salazar nearing a return?

Cleveland Indians pitcher Danny Salazar made an apperance in Arizona and pitched well. Could a return to the Tribe be coming soon?

Danny Salazar has not appeared in a Major League Baseball game since 2017. Since then it has been setback after setback. Questions about Salazar’s return changed from when to if. But things finally appear to be heading in the right direction.

Danny Salazar made an appearance in Arizona and pitched quite well. In 1.2 innings Salazar struck out five batters and allowed three hits. This could signal a return for Salazar could be coming sooner rather than later. Although more rehab starts will be necessary.

Salazar’s stuff has never been questioned. When healthy he can strikeout batters with the best of them. Over his five year career Salazar averages 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings. During his last season Salazar’s strikeout rate was just under 13 (12.7 to be exact). Of the six starting pitchers for the Indians that season, Salazar had the highest strikeout rate of them all. The next highest was Corey Kluber with 11.7 per nine.

While Danny Salazar has previously been a starting pitcher, that does not appear to be the case if he returns this season. The Indians starting rotation is pretty much set for now. The likes of Trevor Bauer, Shane Bieber and Zach Plesac have been the savior of Cleveland’s season. Mike Clevinger is back in the rotation now but has missed quite a bit of time. There is also the fact that Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco are on the injured list and could return at some point to bolster the rotation even further. This leaves the bullpen as the only option for Salazar. Even with a surprisingly good bullpen this season, Cleveland could use someone like Salazar. Especially considering the near-constant trade rumors about closer Brad Hand. The closer role could be in Salazar’s future if he can stay healthy.

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