Just when you thought it wasn’t safe for the Indians to go back on the field, they prove you wrong again.
The Indians have slipped a number of times since getting off to the outrageously successful start that cushioned the blow from injuries and shoddy play for the majority of the month of June.
But they haven’t fallen yet, still leading the Central Division by a half game over Detroit through Friday — their latest escape act coming after being swept in the first series of nine interleague road games.
With pretty much everything working against them, a hot Tigers team led by former Indians Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta and a slumping offense without an injured Shin-Soo Choo and unavailable designated hitter Travis Hafner, the Indians took two of three from the Diamondbacks.
They followed that up by winning the series opener in Cincinnati on Friday.
Much of the thanks for staying afloat goes to a top-shelf bullpen and three of four pitchers out of the rotation — Carlos Carrasco, Josh Tomlin and Justin Masterson — a trio that has given the Indians more than a chance to win every fifth day.
Still, give the Indians some credit for the resiliency they have shown as a team. Everyone is waiting to write them off, but they’re still on the page nearly halfway through the season.
Mission accomplished
If manager Manny Acta’s intention was to light a fire under veteran Orlando Cabrera when rookie Cord Phelps was promoted to platoon with him at second base, it has worked.
Cabrera, who justifiably griped to reporters when the move was made, has turned it on at the plate, entering Saturday batting .309 (17-for-55) with two home runs, four doubles and six RBIs in 16 games since the Phelps promotion.
Looks like a guy trying to prove someone wrong — Acta and general manager Chris Antonetti — for sitting a 14-year veteran with a lifetime .273 batting average and two Gold Gloves.
If Cabrera keeps this up, he’s going to get his starting spot back at second, while Phelps either stays on the bench or heads back to Triple-A Columbus in favor of another prospect in Jason Kipnis.
You’re outta here
OK, we’ve seen more than enough of Austin Kearns, haven’t we? I get that he’s a veteran and has hit on the big league level before and Acta likes him cause he played for him in Washington … blah, blah blah.
Fact is, when Kearns has produced, it’s been in a regular role, which isn’t available now or later with the Indians. He has agonizingly proven he can’t handle a part time gig — .192 (10-for-99), NO homers and TWO RBIs in 34 games through Friday.
At this point, Tomlin, who had two during a recent interleague road start, has a better chance of getting a hit than Kearns.
With Choo on the disabled list for what could be the rest of the season, the Indians have only minor league players to replace Kearns — ones they want in the lineup on a regular basis that won’t get that luxury on the big league level.
But even a mid-level prospect seems like a better option than Kearns, who isn’t a great fielder and has given the Indians close to nothing at the plate.
The Chiz Kid
Cleveland’s top prospect, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, has made positive first impression, 4-for-12 with two doubles and an RBI, while displaying a rocket arm in the field through three debut games.
Not trying to being negative here, but let’s give this some time before declaring Chisenhall the savior of the Indians’ sagging offense. Remember, this was Chisenhall’s first year at the Triple-A level and he wasn’t on pace to break any records with the Clippers in 65 games this season — .265, 7 HR, 44 RBIs.
Yes, he’s certainly a better option at third base than Jack Hannahan, who has continued to give the Indians solid defensive work, but seen his batting average sink to a measly .215 through Friday.
Whether Chisenhall is the second coming, remains to be seen.
Power poll
- Philadelphia Phillies: This team is clearly the class of the National League, and probably the majors.
- New York Yankees: With production from plenty, the Bronx Bombers are back on top in the AL East, sporting the league’s best record.
- Boston Red Sox: Despite their second-place standing, the Sox still look like the AL’s most complete team.
- San Francisco Giants: One of the majors’ best rotations has kept the defending world champs on top of the NL West in the wake of key injuries.
- Atlanta Braves: Though the Bravos will likely need to take the wild-card path to the postseason, they might be the NL’s second-best club.
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Fan him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.
