Indians hoping Trevor Bauer, Danny Salazar can pitch vs. Cubs

CLEVELAND -- Even with the World Series beginning Tuesday, the Cleveland Indians' pitching plans are in a state of uncertainty.

The only certainty is that ace Corey Kluber will start Game 1 in Cleveland.

The Indians are hoping the cut pinky on right-hander Trevor Bauer's throwing hand will hold together well enough for him to start Game 2. And All-Star Danny Salazar will be put on the roster, raising the possibility he could start Game 4 or come out of the bullpen.

Bauer left Game 3 of the American League Championship Series with blood gushing from the pinky he cut while fixing a drone.

On Monday, Bauer claimed he should be ready to go for Game 2. Manager Terry Francona and pitching coach Mickey Callaway said the finger had improved, but they were not ready to fully commit.

"The finger looks a ton better," Callaway said. "It looks like it has actually healed some. Before, it looked like he had pulled it out of a meat grinder."

Bauer threw to live hitters on Monday without bleeding but appeared to be wearing some protection on the finger, which he won't be allowed to use in a game.

If Bauer goes Wednesday, then Josh Tomlin would stay in line to start Game 3 when the series moves to Chicago on Friday. Either Salazar or rookie ALCS hero Ryan Merritt could go in Game 4. Both will be available out of the bullpen.

In the event Bauer cannot go on Wednesday, Tomlin is expected to slide in for Game 2, with the Indians' hoping that Bauer could go in Game 3 at Wrigley Field.

The Indians' rotation was ravaged with injuries late in the season. In addition to Salazar, the Indians advanced to the World Series without starter Carlos Carrasco, who is out for the season with a broken hand.

Salazar hasn't pitched for Cleveland since Sept. 9, when he left a start at Minnesota with right forearm tightness. The injury eventually was diagnosed as a strained right flexor. Salazar began working his way back in late September by throwing bullpen sessions and simulated games. His three-inning simulation on Sunday was enough to convince the Indians that he's ready to go.

"I don't know if it's going to be as a starter or a reliever, but I'm ready," Salazar said.

Salazar went 10-3 with a 2.75 ERA during the first half of the season and earned a spot on the AL All-Star roster for the first time, though he didn't pitch in the game. He went on to battle physical problems for much of the second half. In addition to the forearm problem, Salazar missed several starts in August with elbow inflammation. He finished 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA.

"He was getting after it pretty good," Francona said of Salazar's latest simulated game. "We've talked about using three starters, then after the third game, we'll see where we're at. We have [Ryan] Merritt, we have Danny.

"Neither one would pitch a full game, but between those two, especially with Danny, a guy who made the All-Star team, we could pitch [him] wherever we want. It gives us another really good arm that's kind of a wild card who could help us."

If Salazar is used out of the pen, it would be a new experience: All 85 of his big league appearances have been as a starting pitcher.

"I haven't pitched a single inning as a reliever," Salazar said. "But I think I know the way to get ready in case they need me to come out of the bullpen."

Salazar won't be using his full complement of pitches.

"I'm only throwing fastball, changeup, slider," Salazar said. "I haven't thrown the curveball. That was the pitch that caused soreness before. I haven't tried to throw it yet, and they haven't tried to get me to throw it. So we're going to go with that for now."