After a day off the Indians looked to push ahead as they are just 26 days away from Opening Day in Texas. The team was on the road on Wednesday as they play under the lights vs the Mariners. Here are a few notes from the day.
-With the World Baseball Classic underway there are a lot of unfamiliar faces playing in games for the Tribe late in ballgames. Manager Terry Francona joked that first time in his career he’s meeting and getting to know guys as he’s placing them into games.
-In one way Francona likes the idea of meeting and watching guys that were just recently drafted react to being placed under the fire. He’s not judging their talent per say but rather watching guys and how they react to the situation. But he also gets to actually know the young guys. In typical Tito fashion he finds the positive in a strange situation.
-Cody Anderson had an interesting 2016 season as he made the teams rotation out of spring training, he didn’t last long in that role as he struggled early. After bouncing back and forth from Columbus he moved from the rotation to the bullpen. Then he had a trip to the DL. After that he adjusted to the pen and finished the season in the pen. Then he had off season arm surgery. So with all that said look for information on Anderson to come down on Thursday. Is he going to be a starter or reliever? Is he still hurting? Stay tune as we will learn more on his status on Thursday.
- After hitting off of Josh Tomlin in a simulated game on Monday, Michael Brantley hit off of Zach McAllister in a simulated game on Wednesday. Brantley felt good the day after letting it fly with strong swings on Monday then felt good Tuesday morning. That’s a good sign. Then on Wednesday he swung the bat with authority vs McAllister.
-These are all positive signs for Brantley as everyone is patiently watching and hoping for the best. The next step will be how he feels on Thursday.
-The Indians defeated the Mariners 14-5 Wednesday night. Carlos Carrasco started and didn’t allow a hit over 3 innings of work. He struck out 2 with just 1 walk. Offensively the Tribe exploded for five in the 4th, five in the 6th, and four in the 7th. Jose Ramirez had a double and a 3 run home run, Edwin Encarnacion had an RBI double to get the offense on the board in the 4th.
-Thursday the Indians will take on the Angels with Josh Tomlin making his Cactus League debut. Matt Shoemaker will take the mound for the Angels.
-Also the Triv Show will do its annual Spring Training show from the dugout during the game with Andre Knott in the dugout and Triv back in Cleveland interviewing coaches and players during the game. Don’t miss it.