MRI reveals Kluber has mild quadriceps strain

DETROIT — Corey Kluber  stood off to the side in the visitors’ clubhouse at Comerica Park, goggles on and soaked in champagne. The Indians’ ace has watched his team overcome an assortment of obstacles this season, but none stopped Cleveland from capturing an American League Central title.

In the Tribe’s division-clinching 7-4 win over the Tigers on Monday night, the latest hurdle involved Kluber. The leader of the Indians’ rotation exited after four innings as a precaution due to what was believed to be a groin issue. On Tuesday, an MRI exam ruled out that injury, but it revealed that Kluber sustained a mild strain of one of his quadriceps muscles.

The Indians announced that Kluber’s timetable for return to game activity should be within the next 7-10 days. Barring any setbacks, that means Kluber may be ready in time to start Game 1 (Oct. 6) or Game 2 (Oct. 7) of the AL Division Series.

“He was a little stiff, but not overly tender,” Indians manager Terry Francona said of Kluber’s condition on Tuesday afternoon. “So, I think that gives you some reason to be optimistic.”

As Kluber watched the party rage on Monday, he declined to discuss the injury. The pitcher did agree to talk about how, once again, the Tribe won in the face of adversity. Over the past few weeks, for example, the Indians continued their push to the AL Central title without injured …

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