Carlos Carrasco Makes His Return From Leukemia

(Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

ST PETERSBURG, FLA -- Carlos Carrasco returned to the mound to a standing ovation from the Tampa Bay crowd, as well as both dugouts, as 'Cookie' made his first appearance since being diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia in June. The tribe right hander entered the game in the seventh inning, giving up one earned run on two hits in one full inning.

When speaking to the media following the game, Carrasco shared, "Even the other team came out. My teammates, that was great because they have supported me from day one to now, it's unbelievable." Indians star shortstop Francisco Lindor ran to the mound and hugged an emotional Carrasco. "He told me, welcome back, Cookie" said Carrasco, "This is you. this is you right here. We are behind you. Just go and throw the ball." "It was a lot to think about" shared Carrasco, "I was trying to hold the game right there, but in the end I gave up one run. But I'm healthy and it was go to the next pitch and go from there."

Tampa Bay came into Sunday's afternoon matchup with one thing on their mind, the sweep. The Rays jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the 5th inning and went into cruise control from that point forward, routing the visiting Cleveland Indians 8-2 to complete the weekend-series sweep.

Tampa Bay ace Charlie Morton earned his 14th win of the season, tossing 5 1/3rd innings giving up one earned run on four hits, striking out eight and walking three.Travis d'Arnaud drove in two RBIs off the bench to help the Rays maintain the top spot in the American League Wild Card hunt.

The tribe will head back to Cleveland to take on the visiting Chicago White Sox in a 4-game series. Rookie right hander Aaron Civale will take the hill for the Indians, facing off against White Sox hurler Ross Detwiler. First pitch is set for 7:10 pm ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.


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