Zach Plesac recalled by Cleveland

Right handed starting pitcher Zach Plesac has been recalled from the Alternate Training Site by the Cleveland Baseball Club.

At one point or another Cleveland was going to be recalling pitcher Zach Plesac from the Alternate Training Site. That time is apparently now as the move has been made.

This move corresponds with outfielder Tyler Naquin being placed on the 10-day IL with a fractured toe. Plesac was initially left off the roster due to the team recalling Daniel Johnson to take Naquin’s spot in the lineup.

Along with Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac rounds out the Cleveland rotation as their fourth and fifth starters. Civale and Plesac beat out Adam Plutko for a rotation spot with Plutko ending up in the bullpen.

Plesac made his MLB debut in 2019 and pitched fairly well, compiling a 3.81 ERA, 1.228 WHIP and a 6.8 K/9 in 21 starts. The 25-year old right hander had a much better strikeout rate in the minors (8.6 in 50 games including 49 starts). It is certainly possible that Plesac increases his strikeout rate this season considering his track record in the minors.

If Zach Plesac can perform at a similar level to last season it will help them out tremendously. Cleveland needs all of their pitchers in their rotation to step up this season. A combination of departed former starters (Corey Kluber) and a questionable bullpen means that the team will rely on their rotation more than previous years. Terry Francona will need to ride his rotation more than they probably should in a 60 game season. The balance required to properly navigate this group of pitchers is something that Tito is more than adequately prepared for.