Corey Kluber to pitch Games 4, 7 as Indians set World Series rotation
After a big win in Game 1, the Indians have set their pitching rotation for the rest of the World Series, with ace Corey Kluber set to make two more starts if necessary.
Manager Terry Francona confirmed Wednesday that Kluber, who shut down the Cubs in Game 1 and tossed six scoreless innings, will start Game 4 on Sunday in Chicago, and return for Game 7 (set for Wednesday, Nov. 2) if necessary.
Speculation suggested the Indians would lean on Kluber for a third start, with Carlos Carrasco still unavailable due to injury and Danny Salazar on the roster but not yet stretched out for extended work. Francona said Cleveland also plans to use Game 2 starter Trevor Bauer and Game 3 starter Josh Tomlin on short rest in Games 5 and 6, respectively.
The plan slates each member of the Indians’ three-man rotation to make their subsequent starts on three days’ rest. The team’s aggressive use of Andrew Miller and other bullpen members early in games has generally prevented their starters from having to work overly deep into games thus far in the postseason.
As of Wednesday, Chicago will counter with Jake Arrieta in Game 2, Kyle Hendricks in Game 3 and John Lackey in Game 4. Game 1 starter Jon Lester will pitch Game 5 if necessary, with Arrieta and Hendricks following to finish the series.
Cleveland defeated Chicago 6–0 at Progressive Field on Tuesday. Game 2 is Wednesday night.
