Bauer open to any postseason role for Indians

KANSAS CITY — The Indians have talked to Trevor Bauer about potentially pitching on short rest in the postseason. The right-hander not only expressed his willingness to do that, but he also let the club know that he is open to also being available as a reliever.

“If it was up to me,” Bauer said on Friday, “I’d pitch and be ready to start or be available out of the ‘pen every game. In the playoffs, there’s really no reason to save anything. So, whenever I can get in there, whenever they want me to get in there, I’ll be ready.”

Cleveland will likely not use that kind of extreme approach with Bauer, but the club certainly appreciates the work he has put in to provide a durable option. With the start of the American League Division Series looming on Thursday — opponent and location to be determined — the Indians are weighing their rotation choices for Game 1 and 2.

Should the first-round series extend to a Game 4, the starter who pitched Game 1 may be asked to return on three days’ rest. Ace Corey Kluber is an obvious candidate to start the first game of the ALDS, but he is coming back from a mild quadriceps strain. If they are confident in Bauer as a short-rest alternative, there is a chance he could start Game 1.

“That’s something that we need to talk through,” …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com