Cleveland Indians flamethrower Danny Salazar missed the entire 2018 campaign due to injury. With the depth of talent in the starting rotation it is hard to imagine Salazar returns to that role. Barring injury, Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Mike Clevinger and Shane Bieber appear to have their rotation spots for the foreseeable future. Is a new role or a new team in the cards for Salazar?
Danny Salazar to the bullpen?
With an increased emphasis being placed on bullpen usage moving Danny Salazar to the bullpen appears to be a great idea. Salazar has the capability to touch triple digits and reduced workload may allow the Indians to keep an eye on any potential issues. While he would pitch more frequently, it would not nearly be close in regards to volume of pitches. Of course if he moves to the bullpen his appearances will be infrequent at first. Eventually working up to a more frequent role.
Transitioning to the bullpen would also help with cover for the all but certain losses in that department. Andrew Miller and Cody Allen are all but certain to depart in free agency, creating a vacancy in the bullpen. Salazar moving to that role would help the team make up for those losses. Other transactions are necessary, but this would certainly help.
Danny Salazar on the move?
Before last season there were trade rumors regarding Danny Salazar. For a brief moment it appeared that Salazar would end up in a Cubs uniform. Obviously nothing happened, as Salazar remained in Cleveland. Other teams see value in Salazar and if Salazar wants to remain a starter a trade is necessary. There simply is not a place for Salazar in the starting rotation and if he wants to start he will have to be moved.
Health will always be an issue
Danny Salazar’s non-existent 2018 season will be an issue whether he remains in Cleveland or is traded. Salazar experience inflammation in his shoulder during Spring Training and eventually required rotator cuff surgery. This is not the first time Salazar has gone under the knife. In 2010 Salazar underwent Tommy John surgery. Additionally in 2016 and 2017 Salazar missed time due to injuries.
Selling another team on the health of Salazar will be quite difficult. As is relying on him to not miss any time in the future. Especially considering how trigger happy teams are to place players on the 10-day disabled list. Salazar is all but guaranteed to end up on the 10-day DL at some point next season.
What it comes down to is whether the Indians believe Salazar can contribute to the club or if what they could get in return for Salazar is more valuable. The answer to that question will ultimately be found out before next season. Until now all that exists is speculation.
