Indians: Options to replace Emmanuel Clase
The suspension of Emmanuel Clase will have an impact on the Cleveland Indians bullpen and other arms will have to step up during his absence.
Emmanuel Clase had a chance to fully recover from his back injury and rejoin the Indians bullpen when the 2020 season eventually starts. That all went out the window once he was suspended for 80 games due to a PED violation. No one is able to replace the velocity or movement of Clase, but his absence could provide other arms a chance to make an impact this season.
James Karinchak
The first name that comes to mind is James Karinchak. Karinchak was optioned to Triple-A Columbus after the season was suspended. The 24-year old reliever has electric stuff, although walks were an issue during the now suspended Spring Training. Karinchak was going to be in Cleveland at one point or another this season, it just may be earlier than originally anticipated.
Logan Allen
Part of the Trevor Bauer trade, Logan Allen came over from San Diego with Franmil Reyes. Allen hit a speed bump in 2019 and is looking to bounce back to his previous form. Allen is listed as a starting pitcher, but Cleveland has a lot of starting pitching talent also waiting for their chance. Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale seem likely to get a chance to crack the rotation before Allen. There is also highly regarded prospect Triston McKenize who could make the leap sometime this season. Perhaps a spot in the bullpen could be an option if Allen is willing to adapt to a bullpen role.
Scott Moss
Scott Moss is another pitcher who is in a similar situation to Logan Allen. Moss is a starter, but will have to outperform several others to make the rotation. A role change could provide Moss with an opportunity to get to the big leagues faster. That being said, other options seem more likely at this point in time.
Jefry Rodriguez
Jefry Rodriguez is currently on the Active Roster, but a move to the bullpen could lead to a different pitcher down in Columbus joining the starting rotation. Perhaps Aaron Civale or Zach Plesac could make the move back up to Cleveland with Rodriguez moving to the pen.
