Recently called up starting pitcher Zach Plesac has been quite impressive for the Cleveland Indians through his first two starts.
The Cleveland Indians needed a boost when it came to their starting rotation. After injuries to Mike Clevinger and Corey Kluber paired with Jefry Rodriguez’ struggles, the Tribe were counting on Zach Plesac to deliver. Luckily for Cleveland Plesac did just that. Plesac is not an overpowering pitcher, but he is able to prevent consistent hard contact from opposing hitters. Over half of the contact allowed by Plesac is of the soft and medium variety.
Through his first two career starts Plesac has allowed just two runs in 12.1 innings pitched. This amounts to an impressive 1.46 ERA. While one of the starts was the against the Chicago White Sox (who are hardly world beaters) the other came in Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. Boston has struggled this season but has shown multiple times that they are more than capable of scoring runs with the best of them. Plesac only allowed one run in his first career start against the Red Sox. Chicago also managed only one run against Plesac this past weekend.
Perhaps the most interesting stat was brought to light by Indians reporter Mandy Bell.
Zach Plesac has shown he has a good pickoff move. Not many pitchers are able to pickoff runners consistently. Plesac has done so in consecutive starts to start his career.
Plesac’s future later in the season is not known. Corey Kluber and Mike Clevinger will return at some point. This leaves Plesac on the outside looking in when it comes to the rotation. Cleveland could send Plesac back down to AAA Columbus if that is the case. Although with trade rumors surrounding Trevor Bauer, this could provide an opening for Plesac to remain in the starting rotation.
