Cleveland Indians' second-half preview: Rotation questions remain
Cleveland Indians
Record: 47-47
Standing: 3rd in AL Central
Team Leaders:
Batting Average: Lonnie Chisenhall, .328
Home Runs: Michael Brantley, 15
ERA: Corey Kluber, 3.01 ERA
The Indians suffered in the first-half from injuries, particularly to their starting rotation. Pitcher Justin Masterson has been dealing with a sore knee all season and was placed on the 15-day DL on July 8, at one point leaving Corey Kluber as the lone Indians starter who began the season in the rotation. The line-up has been marred with injuries as well, with Michael Bourn recently heading to the DL and Jason Giambi being transferred to the 60-day DL. Cleveland acquired LF Chris Dickerson from the Pirates on July 7.
A bright spot has been Michael Brantley, who had a breakout first-half en route to being named an All-Star. The Indians remain close in the Wild Card hunt, sitting 3.5 games back heading into the second-half.