The Cleveland Indians’ already-thin starting rotation was dealt a huge blow Saturday when Carlos Carrasco suffered a fractured finger on his pitching hand.
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Carrasco Likely Out for Season
Saturday, Sept. 17
According to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News, Carrasco was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of his fifth metacarpal and is likely done for the regular season.
Carrasco suffered the injury on his second pitch of the game, when Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler hit a line drive that caromed off the pitcher’s hand.
After Cleveland’s medical staff examined Carrasco for a couple of minutes, Jeff Manship replaced him on the mound.
While the team has not announced an official timetable for Carrasco’s return, MLB.com’s Jason Beck noted Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos, who suffered the same injury, has not played in a game since Aug. 6.
The timing of Carrasco’s injury is devastating for the Indians, who entered play Saturday with a seven-game lead over the Tigers in the American League Central with a magic number of nine to clinch the division.
The Indians rotation was already without All-Star Danny Salazar, who was diagnosed with a forearm strain that will keep him out for three to four weeks.
Coming into the season, Cleveland’s strength was its starting pitching depth. Corey Kluber remains the team’s ace and a strong Cy Young candidate, but the injuries to Carrasco and Salazar leave manager Terry Francona with Trevor Bauer as his No. 2 starter and Mike Clevinger and Josh Tomlin in the next two spots with no clear option for a fifth starter to finish the regular season.
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